Ireland finished theirs WXV Global Series campaign with a 38-17 win against the Springbok Women in Cape Town.
The result means Scott Bemand’s side have won three of four WXV Global Series games this fall, with their only loss coming against USA Women’s Eagles in Dublin last month.
The Green Wave certainly didn’t have things all their own way at the Athlone Stadium. The Springbok Women made life miserable for their guests and opened the scoring with barely a minute of the game played.
Erin King soon hit back with a converted try and when Alichia Arries was sent to the sin bin, Béibhinn Parsons scored the first of her three tries. before the break, South Africa Captain Sizophila Solontsi was standing down while Aoibheann Reilly was sent to the warming bin to throw herself around the neck of the Springbok back row forward.
In the second half, South Africa briefly took the lead when Vainah Ubisi crossed the penalty spot. However, two tries each from Parsons and Aoife Dalton eventually put the fight away from the hosts.
Here’s how Ireland’s players rated in Cape Town…
15. Niamh Gallagher – 6.5
Niamh Gallagher spent just 47 minutes on the pitch during her team’s win in Cape Town. Making only her second Test start, the 20-year-old was by no means a poor performer, although she still has room to develop after winning just her fifth cap. She made it 42 meters in a solid display.
14. Bevinn Parsons – 9
By far Ireland’s most potent attacking threat. Béibhinn Parsons had the freedom of Cape Town at times and scored three tries for her troubles. Ireland’s record scorer made three line breaks as a result of the game, carried 11 times and gained 89 metres. In addition to that, the Connacht native beat 14 defenders. Unreal. A very good day at the office.
13. Anna McGann – 7.5
As has been the case in her recent starts for Ireland, Anna McGann continued to pose a threat with ball in hand. Her ability to take on a defender or distribute added another dimension to Ireland’s attack, even if her inclusion in the starting XV came at the expense of close friend Eva Higgins. She made 12 carries for 73 yards, registered two line breaks and completed four tackles.
12. Aoife Dalton – 8
Dalton entered the game and ended up crossing the white paint twice in the closing stages. These results went a long way in creating a healthy gap between the two teams. She only carried the ball eight times on Saturday, but still managed to lift 38 meters. Her finish proved especially valuable as Ireland pulled away from the hosts.
11. Robyn O’Connor – 7.5
Another spirited performance on the wing by Robyn O’Connor, who was once again unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. A constant threat with the ball in her hands, O’Connor’s bursts were enough to unsettle the South African defence, creating space for her teammates to pile forward. She also recorded an assist attempt.
10. Dannah O’Brien – 8
This was one of those games where Dannah O’Brien had a lot going for her. Earlier in the week, it was revealed that Johnny Sexton had spent some time mentoring at half-time as part of his role at the IRFU. Starting that relationship with a solid performance against the physical Springbok Women was a very good place to start. She registered one try assist, kicked four of her six conversions and kept her cool as South Africa continued to put Ireland under pressure.
9. Aoifeann Reilly – 5
There was nothing wrong with Aoibheann Reilly’s game until her yellow card in the 37th minute. She was sent to the sideline after a roll on the neck of Springbok Women captain Sizophile Solontsi. After her 10-minute suspension expired, Emily Lane was immediately introduced from the bench. Ireland eventually secured a comfortable victory, but Reilly’s indiscretion was an avoidable blemish on her afternoon.
1. Linda Djougang – 8
It was another long stint on the field for Linda Djougang, who, as we expected, worked on both loose and hard heads. Seriously impressive stuff from the 30-year-old, who carried the ball seven times and helped Ireland establish scrum dominance from the first minute to the 80th minute.
2. Neve Jones – 7
Before being replaced by Beth Buttimer, Neve Jones enjoyed a pretty solid afternoon at the Athlone Stadium. Ireland’s line-up operated at a 92% success rate, with Jones also making eight tackles. Reliable whore contribution.
3. Elizabeth Cahill – 7.5
A strong performance from the national team with nine games. Not only did she hold her own in the run and help Ireland to a 100% set-piece success, she also carried the ball eight times. Apart from one turnover, it was a solid performance by the prop.
4. Jane Clohessy – 7
A solid outing from the second row from Munster up front. It was not a game in which Ireland spent long periods in defence, despite the Springbok Women enjoying most of the possession. Clohessy made six disposals and six tackles during her full 80 minutes on the field, providing a reliable presence in the engine room.
5. Dorothy Wall – 7
Another typically industrious performance by Dorothy Wall. Experienced in attack and defence, she helped Ireland retain possession and contributed to the relative success of the line in Cape Town. She carried the ball eight times and made six tackles, making a solid contribution throughout.
6. Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan – 7.5
Tuite-O’Sullivan enjoyed another 66 minutes at blindside flanker this weekend. Looked significantly more confident in the back row, making seven tackles and carrying the ball eight times with real power. An encouraging performance as he continues to develop his role in the Ireland pack.
7. Erin King – 8
Another captain’s performance. As usual, Erin King made a little bit of everything good. Her seven carries may have yielded just 10 metres, but they included a determined lunge over the try line after sustained pressure from the Irish in the South African half to open her team’s account. A typically committed performance from the Irish skipper.
8. Brittany Hogan – 7
He looked a lot more like Sale Sharks’ Brittany Hogan this weekend. Defeated in last week’s Test, the back-row forward made 12 passes at the Athlone Stadium for 23 meters and made 13 tackles, the most of any Irish player. Her defensive contribution was particularly significant as Ireland dealt with the physicality of South Africa.
Substitutions – 6.5
There was nothing particularly spectacular about Ireland’s substitution on Saturday. However, every player brought on from the bench helped Ireland maintain their lead and maintain the momentum that eventually produced a 21-point lead. It was a solid collective contribution as Ireland successfully completed their autumn campaign and Test year.
