Beibhinn Parsons became Ireland women’s all-time record try scorer as they held off a late comeback from Japan to register a 31-24 win in the WXV Global Series at Dexcom Stadium.
Tries from Brittany Hogan and Parsons gave the home side the lead after a dominant first half.
Japan looked strong after the restart before Parsons registered her 24th Test try to take the scoring record and help them secure the win.
Scott Bemand will be happy with his side’s response after they let a 19-point lead slip away against the USA in their WXV Global Series opener at Tallaght Stadium.
Both sides had to navigate a strong wind in Galway, and it was Ireland who adjusted to the challenging conditions the quickest with Hogan showing great persistence to cross from close range after 10 minutes.
It was a scrappy first half with plenty of stoppages and neither side able to carve open the opposition’s defence.
Hogan once again showed her threat and extended Scott Bemand’s side’s lead when she finished a nice move from Aoibheann Reilly after the half-hour mark.
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