Ireland Women Aim for Rugby World Cup Glory Against Japan

Ireland’s women’s rugby team is set to kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign against Japan on March 15, 2024, at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton. This match marks the end of a nearly eight-year wait since their last World Cup appearance, a gap widened by their failure to qualify for the 2022 tournament in New Zealand. The anticipation surrounding this encounter reflects not only the team’s history but also a sense of renewal as they seek redemption on the world stage.

The previous World Cup hosted by Ireland in 2017 left a bitter taste for fans and players alike. Despite securing opening wins against Australia and Japan at the UCD Bowl, the team succumbed to three consecutive losses against France, Australia, and Wales. Consequently, Ireland finished in eighth place, overshadowed by their earlier success in the Six Nations, where they had achieved four victories. The team has experienced significant ups and downs since then, culminating in a wooden spoon finish in 2023, following a public reprimand of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

As the squad prepares for the upcoming matches, there is a palpable sense of hope that this World Cup could mark the beginning of a new chapter. The last time Ireland enjoyed significant success on a global scale was in 2014 when they defeated the Black Ferns in Marcoussis. The team’s past triumphs, including a Grand Slam victory in 2013 and another Six Nations win in 2015, are now merely memories as they strive to recapture that winning spirit.

Current head coach Scott Bemand has assembled a squad that, despite some injuries, boasts considerable talent. Key players such as Aoife Wafer are currently sidelined, but the team remains robust with promising talents like Aoibheann Reilly and a strong front row featuring former England prop Ellena Perry. Bemand expressed confidence in the team’s evolution over the past two years, stating, “We’ve continued to evolve our game, evolve strategies and evolve depth. We’re in the right space, the right condition physically; we now need to put it into game mode.”

The opening match against Japan holds particular significance. Historically, Japan has struggled in World Cup pool matches, winning only one out of twelve games. Yet, their recent qualification for the 2021 tournament provides them with valuable experience. Bemand emphasized the importance of discipline and organization, highlighting the need for his team to focus on their strengths, particularly their pace and skill.

Co-captain Edel McMahon acknowledged the blend of experience within the squad, stating, “We do have girls with different experiences on the world stage, so it doesn’t feel like a lot of players’ first World Cup.” This depth of experience could prove crucial as they aim for a strong start in Pool C, where a win against Japan followed by another against Spain would secure a quarter-final berth.

The team’s recent warm-up matches against Scotland and Canada highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in defense and offensive momentum. The players will be motivated not only by their ambitions but also by the recent diagnosis of teammate Shannon Ikahihifo, who is battling cancer.

As the Ireland women’s rugby team steps onto the field, they carry the hopes of a nation eager for a revival in their rugby fortunes. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the potential for success at this Rugby World Cup is palpable. The upcoming matches will undoubtedly define their path and may well herald a new era for women’s rugby in Ireland.

The starting lineup for Ireland includes:
– S Flood;
– B Parsons, A Dalton, E Higgins, AL Costigan;
– D O’Brien, A Reilly;
– N O’Dowd, N Jones, L Djougang;
– R Campbell, S Monaghan;
– F Tuite, E McMahon, B Hogan.

Replacements:
C Moloney-MacDonald, E Perry, S McGrath, E Corri-Fallon, G Moore, E Lane, E Breen, A McGann.

For Japan, the lineup is:
– S Nishimura;
– M Matsumura, M Furuta, H Hirotsu, K Imakugi;
– A Otsuka, M Tsukui;
– S Kato, A Kuge, W Kitano;
– Y Sato, O Yoshimura;
– M Kawamura, I Nagata, S Saito.

Replacements include:
K Taniguchi, M Mine, N Nagata, A Sakurai, K Hosokawa, M Abe, M Yamamoto, S Hatada.

Ireland’s journey in this World Cup promises to be an exciting chapter in their rugby history, and fans will be watching closely as the competition unfolds.