James Grennan at the Dexcom
Highly entertaining game in the Dexcom
Playing in front of a roaring Galway crowd, hometown hero Béibhinn Parsons cemented her status as an all-time great by becoming the all-time record try scorer for the Ireland women’s game.
The local winger put on a spectacular masterclass, scoring two breath taking tries to claim the record. Her first half score was pure clinical skill as she spotted a 2v1 mismatch on the wing, accelerated, and effortlessly burned her defender on the outside. Her record-breaking 24th Test try in the dying minutes was even more spectacular; following a sharp bootlace scoop from Anna McGann, Parsons took a perfect offload at top speed, charging into the clear to cross the whitewash to the absolute delight of the home crowd.
The second half brought another unforgettable moment for Irish fans when Munster’s standout hooker, Beth Buttimer, stepped onto the field in the 62nd minute to make her senior international debut off the bench. The 21-year-old, who had previously been a traveling reserve 18 times, was greeted by a massive, spine-tingling cheer that erupted from the Clan Stand, acknowledging her outstanding interprovincial form and welcoming her to the international stage. Her arrival injected fresh energy into the match just as Japan was turning the encounter into a genuine nail-biter.
Despite trailing 19-5 at the break, Japan fought their way back into the game with remarkable ferocity during the second half, utilising the heavy breeze to repeatedly rumble over the line with their potent driving mauls. As the game grew increasingly tense, the Sakura Fifteen showcased stoic and relentless defence, holding Ireland up over the line multiple times and managing desperate, goal-line stands. The Japanese line speed and physical breakdown work consistently frustrated the hosts, keeping a dangerous Irish attack at bay on several occasions when an ireland score looked absolutely certain. Ultimately, Scott Bemand’s side did just enough to withstand the brilliant Japanese fightback, grinding out the victory in a pulsating clash.
Japans number 6 Nami Asari was a standout player for them making an intercept line break and was almost over the white wash but for the chase down by Eve Higgins who scrambled back to catch her within 7 meters of the Irish try line . Hard to believe Nami Asari was born in 2008 and is already a nailed on starter for the Japan side.
All in all, a highly entertaining match and both these teams go at it again next weekend in Cork.
Definitely a game not to be missed if you are in the area.
Ireland Abu