"The shadow of the defending champions, New Zealand, looms over Pool C and on that basis Ireland could not afford to lose. They kicked off their World Cup campaign with a fluent victory, in which every element of their game functioned well on the immaculate Franklin's Gardens pitch. Japan won the previous match between these two, a 29-10 victory in 2022, and had they upset the odds it would hardly have represented their own Miracle of Brighton from the men's World Cup in 2015."
"Some rock-solid maul defence first up showed Japan would not be intimidated, but the Ireland wing Amee-Leigh Costigan was soon flying over in the corner after powerfully handing off the Japan wing Komachi Imakugi. Neve Jones scored a well-taken second from a powerful maul, Dannah O'Brien kicking the second of six conversions, and Ireland had begun with precision and power."
Ireland entered their World Cup match under the shadow of defending champions New Zealand and could not afford to lose. They produced a fluent, physical and accurate performance on the immaculate Franklin's Gardens pitch, outclassing and overpowering Japan. Japan had beaten Ireland 29-10 in 2022 but could not match Ireland's precision. Early rock-solid maul defence showed Japan’s intent, yet Ireland scored through Amee-Leigh Costigan, Neve Jones and Beibhinn Parsons, with Dannah O'Brien kicking multiple conversions. Haruka Hirotsu and Japan supporters had moments to cheer, but Fiona Tuite and Eve Higgins added further scores to consolidate Ireland’s dominance.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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