Parsons sets Ireland try record in 31-24 WXV win over Japan

Beibhinn Parsons became Ireland's leading Test try scorer as they defeated Japan 31-24 at Dexcom Stadium in the WXV Global Series. BBC Sport reported that her second try of the match took her international total to 24, delivering a personal milestone during a victory that required Ireland to withstand renewed pressure from the visitors in the closing stages.

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The result gave Scott Bemand's side a response to their opening defeat against the USA at Tallaght Stadium, where they had surrendered a 19-point advantage. Ireland again established a substantial lead in Galway, going into the interval 19-5 ahead, but this time retained enough of that cushion to finish in front despite Japan's four tries across the match.

Strong winds complicated the contest for both teams. Ireland settled first, with Brittany Hogan forcing her way over from close range after 10 minutes. In an opening half interrupted by frequent stoppages, Hogan added a second try after the half-hour mark following work from Aoibheann Reilly. Anna McGann also prevented a Japanese scoring opportunity by getting back to halt Nami Asari after an Irish defensive error.

Parsons then added Ireland's third try with a solo run in her home town in the 37th minute. Japan found a route back before the break after Ireland captain Erin King received a yellow card, with Moe Nagaoka crossing. Nagaoka scored again from a maul after the restart, reducing the deficit and putting the home side under fresh pressure early in the second half.

Ireland answered through replacement Aoife Dalton, who scored shortly after entering the match. Japan kept challenging, however, and Nijiho Nagata finished another maul for their third try. Parsons subsequently took a pass from McGann and broke through for her record-setting score, with O'Brien adding the conversion to give Ireland more breathing room as the teams continued to exchange attacks.

Asari crossed late to bring Japan closer, but the visitors could not complete the turnaround. Ireland finished with five tries, including doubles for Hogan and Parsons, while O'Brien supplied three conversions. Japan's scoring comprised Nagaoka's two tries and one apiece for Nagata and Asari, with Nishi adding two conversions, leaving the final margin at seven points.