Scott Bemand delighted as Ireland put US lessons to good use in Japan win

The Six Nations side held out against a Japanese rally after coughing up a big lead to the Americans a week earlier

CIRCLE OF TRUST: A view of a Ireland team huddle after the match against Japan in Galway. Pic: INPHO

Ireland boss Scott Bemand was relieved his side righted the wrongs of their previous defeat by problem-solving their way to a 31-24 Women’s WXV Global Series victory over Japan at Dexcom Stadium on Sunday.

The Irish had been stunned in Tallaght seven days earlier when they blew a 19-point lead over the United States to lose 40-36. There was nearly a repeat in Galway as Japan picked themselves up after going 19-0 down after 35 minutes to a double from flanker Brittany Hogan and the first of wing Beibhinn Parson’s two tries on her way to becoming Ireland's all-time top try scorer on 24.