women
international women
Japan fell to a 31-24 loss Ireland after a hard-fought clash at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway.
Sakura Fifteen displayed a relentless attack, repeatedly holding the home side over the line and landing four powerful tries to stay in the contest until the very end.
Toshizumi Kitagawa’s side went down 19-5 after Moe Nagoaka went down after half-time, but they really stepped up in the second half with the wind on their side.
Nagaoka got off the back of the maul once again and substitute Nijiho Nagata followed shortly after to score Japan’s third.
Despite Béibhinn Parsons becoming Ireland’s leading try scorer to give Ireland a comfortable 31-19 lead in her 24th Test try, the visitors found time for another score as Nami Asari crossed the whitewash in just her third of the match.
Speaking after full-time, Japan head coach Toshizumi Kitagawa told TG4:
“We didn’t get the result we wanted because this is a test match and victory is our ultimate goal.
“I’m very happy with the first half. We were against the wind, but defensively we went forward and our line was very good.
“In the second half, with the victory, we found a very good offensive solution, and I am very satisfied with that aspect.
“I told the girls (at halftime) that I want them to believe in their potential more and to believe in themselves better and stronger.
“All in all, I’m satisfied,” he concluded.
Japan will now look ahead to their match against Ireland at Virgin Media Park in Cork next Saturday, October 3, and will have plenty of positives to build on from their first meeting in the WXV Global Series.