Scott Bemand’s Ireland secured their second WXV Global Series win of the autumn with a 40-27 victory over the Springbok Women.
In just the second meeting between these two nations, 11 tries were scored at the Athlone Stadium in front of a strong home crowd.
Linda Djougang scored twice, while Aoife Dalton, Jane Clohessy, Béibhinn Parsons and Erin King also scored in a deserved win for Ireland.
Here’s how the Ireland player rated in Cape Town…
15. Stacey Flood — 6
One of Ireland’s career greats, Stacey Flood, once again handled the role of secondary playmaker with ease. Her distribution was solid, though not as impactful as it could have been. She turned the ball over twice.
14. Bevinn Parsons — 6
Béibhinn Parsons had a mixed afternoon. The 26-year-old winger made more yards than anyone else in the match with just four carries, but also conceded four turnovers and was at fault on defense for Aseza Hela’s first-half try. She responded with a goal early in the second half to keep Ireland going.
13. Anna McGann — 7
Anna McGann was once again one of Ireland’s busiest players. Her unpredictable running made her a constant threat, keeping the Springbok women guessing. She beat three defenders, carried 12 times and scored 46 yards.
12. Aoife Dalton — 7
Solid midfield performance from Aoife Dalton. She showed tremendous determination to score Ireland’s first try, making 11 tackles and winning a loose ball. After a challenging September, this was a welcome return to form.
11. Robyn O’Connor — 7.5
The game’s leading meter maker, Robyn O’Connor kicked 10 times for 90 meters to help Ireland stay in the lead. She also made two line breaks and beat three defenders. Even though she didn’t cross the try line, she had a lot to be happy about.
10. Dannah O’Brien — 7
A solid afternoon for Dannah O’Brien, who scored 10 points from the kick and distributed well. She didn’t quite take the game by the scruff of the neck, but in a forward-focused running contest she wasn’t required to dominate. A useful confidence boost for the playmaker.
9. Emily Lane — 6
Emily Lane played 47 minutes in Cape Town and provided a lively presence at half-time. However, Scott Bemand introduced Aoibheann Reilly early in the second half, opting for her calming influence as Ireland looked to see the game out.
1. Linda Djougang — 8.5
Linda Djougang had another outstanding performance. Starting at loose before finishing at tighthead, she helped Ireland maintain an 86% scrum success rate and made her presence felt around the park. She finished with six disposals, five tackles and two tackles. Excellent.
2. Neve Jones — 7
Neve Jones made a memorable contribution to her 50th cap, working tirelessly throughout the competition. No player completed more tackles, although the Irish line-up struggled to function consistently. A 69% set piece success rate limited the effectiveness of their movement.
3. Elizabeth Cahill — 7
Eilís Cahill held her own against the Springbok Women. Still relatively inexperienced at Test level, the holder looked comfortable in the front row and Ireland maintained a 100% scrum success rate during his time on the field. She was replaced by Niamh O’Dowd in the 46th minute.
4. Jane Clohessy — 6
Jane Clohessy marked only her second Test start with a try. However, apart from her goalscoring contribution, she was less prominent than her back-row partner Dorothy Wall as Ireland struggled to click. Still, the 27-year-old made no mistake in a solid outing.
5. Dorothy Wall — 8
Dorothy Wall gave a commanding, well-rounded performance. Comfortable in both attack and defence, she was influential on the park, quick to adapt and make herself available in possession. Although she did not score, her 76 minutes on the pitch was a huge positive for Ireland.
6. Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan — 5
Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan may have hoped for more from her first back row start. Chosen for her physical form, the Ulster forward made nine tackles and only conceded four times. With Aoife Wafer injured, Scott Bemand could continue to develop the 29-year-old at blindside flanker. There are promising signs, even if this wasn’t her most impactful outing.
7. Erin King — 8
Erin King put on an eventful performance. Her second-half try helped put the result beyond doubt, while her possession and defensive work was as reliable as ever from the Ireland captain. Despite spending 10 minutes in the penalty box in the first half, she remained influential at the breakdown, winning two turnovers.
8. Brittany Hogan — 6
Brittany Hogan had a relatively quiet afternoon filling in for the injured Aoife Wafer. The Sale Sharks the backline made five tackles and eight tackles and won a turnover but struggled to make much of an impact in possession.
Substitutions — 6
Mixed performance from the bench. Aoibheann Reilly and Niamh O’Dowd impressed during their cameos but the substitutes had little overall impact despite Ireland opting for a 6-2 split. Eva Higgins’ second-half yellow card also added to the pressure at a crucial stage. There have been individual positives, but Ireland would like more from their bench as a whole.
