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Higgins strikes as Ireland see off Japan in Women's Rugby World Cup

football24 August 2025 14:29| © AFP
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Eve Higgins scored the decisive try as Ireland launched their Women's Rugby World Cup campaign with a 42-14 victory over Japan in Northampton on Sunday.

Japan were on the attack and pressing for another try, at 28-14 down, before inside centre Higgins picked off a floating pass and ran the length of the field to score.

Her try left Japan with too much of a mountain to climb in this Pool C clash after Ireland wing Amee-Leigh Costigan's fifth-minute try had broken the deadlock.

Ireland's physical superiority was rewarded by a maul try from Neve Jones before Japan, playing well with ball in hand, deservedly got on the scoreboard with a close-range score from Haruka Hirotsu.

But Ireland wings Costigan and Beibhinn Parsons combined expertly for a fine try before Fiona Tuite was the willing recipient of Higgins' slick footwork in midfield.

Japan's maul made an impact in the second half, paving the way for a try from flanker Masami Kawamura, before Higgins's interception put the result beyond doubt.

Ireland replacement Enya Breen added another try late on.

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