Debut try-scorers help Ireland beat Japan 43-19 in Cork

Ireland beat Japan 43-19 at Virgin Media Park in Cork on Saturday, with debutants Alana McInerney and Sophie Barrett scoring the final two tries to settle a contest that had tightened after half-time. The Irish Examiner reported that Eilis Cahill also registered her first international try as Ireland finished with seven touchdowns and a second consecutive win over Japan.

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Japan scored first through Sakurako Korai after Ireland conceded a series of early penalties. According to BBC Sport's match report, Emily Lane then had an apparent try disallowed before Cahill crossed and Dannah O'Brien converted to bring Ireland level. The hosts took control after Masami Kawamura was sent to the sin bin, with Brittany Hogan scoring while Japan were reduced to 14 players.

Neve Jones and Anna McGann added tries before the interval, giving Ireland a 22-7 lead. McGann's finish followed a break by Niamh Gallagher and a pass from Erin King. Beibhinn Parsons scored shortly after the restart to take her Ireland record to 25 international tries, and O'Brien's conversion extended the advantage to 29-7. Ireland had scored five tries by that stage, but Japan still found a response.

Nami Asari and replacement Nijiho Nagata crossed as Japan cut the gap to 10 points. The Irish Examiner reported that Maiko Nishi converted Asari's try but hit the post with the attempt after Nagata's score. Nishi was subsequently shown a yellow card for a high tackle on King, leaving the visitors short-handed again during their attempt to recover from the first-half deficit.

McInerney then forced her way through the defence for Ireland's sixth try, before Barrett scored late on. Enya Breen converted both to complete the scoring. The Irish Examiner also noted first starts for lock Jane Clohessy and full-back Gallagher, alongside a debut from the bench for Kate Jordan, making the match a significant opportunity for Scott Bemand to give less-experienced players international game time.

The result followed Ireland's 31-24 victory over Japan in Galway the previous weekend. BBC Sport reported that Ireland had opened their autumn programme with a 40-36 defeat by the United States at Tallaght Stadium. Bemand's team now head to South Africa for a two-match WXV series after winning their final two home fixtures of this block.