Ireland hit Japan for six in Rugby World Cup opener

Ireland are just 80 minutes away from a guaranteed quarter-final place. 

PERFECT START: Ireland's Eve Higgins makes a break on her way to scoring her side's fifth try against Japan. The 42-point total is Ireland's highest ever at the Women's Rugby World Cup. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Women's Rugby World Cup: Ireland 42 Japan 14 

Ireland’s Rugby World Cup campaign is off to a flyer with a comprehensive, six-try defeat of Japan in Northampton early on Sunday afternoon leaving them just 80 minutes away from a guaranteed quarter-final spot.