NORTHAMPTON – Ireland opened their Rugby World Cup 2025 campaign with a 42-14 win at Franklin’s Gardens on Sunday but Japan more than played their part in an entertaining Pool C contest.
Story of the match
In the build-up to the match, Ireland talked about the importance of a fast start and they were true to their word, scoring two tries in the opening 10 minutes as they dominated possession.
Japan hit back with a try through Haruka Hirotsu before Beibhinn Parsons – playing at RWC 2025 after recovering from two broken legs last year – finished off a sweeping team move and Fiona Tuite benefited from Eve Higgins’ break to give Ireland a four-try bonus point by half-time.
It was Japan who started the second half quickly, Masami Kawamura scoring from close range. But they couldn’t make the most of their other promising moments and Higgins put Ireland clear with a breakaway try before Enya Breen added a sixth.
Dannah O’Brien kicked all six conversions.