Ireland dominate Japan 42-14 while South Africa overwhelm debutants Brazil in Women's Rugby World Cup action

Ireland delivered a commanding performance to launch their Women's Rugby World Cup campaign with a comprehensive 42-14 victory over Japan on Sunday, while South Africa secured their first tournament win since 2010 with a dominant 66-6 triumph against debutant nation Brazil in Northampton. The contrasting Group C and Group D encounters showcased both established power and emerging talent on the global stage.

At Franklin's Gardens, Japan endeared themselves to the supporters with their gracious acknowledgment of all four corners of the ground as they departed the pitch, but their spirited efforts proved insufficient against Ireland's superior power and pace. The Irish established early dominance and never relinquished control throughout a Group C encounter that highlighted their championship credentials.

Ireland's clinical first-half performance laid the foundation for their comfortable six-try victory, with the team demonstrating impressive depth by utilizing six different try-scorers. The Irish led 28-7 at halftime after a dominant opening period that effectively decided the contest before the interval.

Any potential early nerves were quickly dispelled as Amee Leigh Costigan and Neve Jones crossed the line within the opening 10 minutes, establishing immediate momentum that would carry Ireland throughout the match. The early scoring burst demonstrated Ireland's intent and quality as they seized control from the opening exchanges.

The bonus point was secured well before halftime through additional scores from Beibhinn Parsons and Fiona Tuite, showcasing Ireland's attacking variety and clinical finishing ability. Two further tries in the second period from Eve Higgins and Enya Breen completed the comprehensive victory, with Dannah O'Brien maintaining perfect accuracy by converting all six attempts.

Japan managed to register tries through Haruka Hirotsu and Masami Kawamura, providing moments of celebration for their passionate supporters despite the eventual margin of defeat. Their competitive spirit and sportsmanship earned appreciation from the crowd even in defeat.

The Group C action continues later on Sunday when New Zealand face Spain at York Community Stadium, with the All Blacks expected to make their own statement of intent in the tournament.

Meanwhile, at another venue, Aseza Hele's hat-trick performance anchored South Africa's emphatic 10-try Group D victory over Brazil, marking a significant moment for both nations. The Springbok Women recorded their first Women's Rugby World Cup triumph since 2010, while Brazil became the first South American nation to participate in the prestigious tournament.

Brazil, ranked 25th in the world as the competition's lowest-ranked participant, faced an enormous challenge against their more experienced opponents but showed admirable resilience throughout the encounter. Despite spending much of the contest defending against sustained South African pressure, the debutants managed to register two penalties through Raquel Kochhann.

South Africa's attacking prowess was evident throughout their dominant display, with Libbie Janse van Rensburg and flying winger Ayanda Malinga each contributing two tries to the comprehensive victory. Additional scores came from Nadine Roos, Aphiwe Ngwevu and Lerato Makua, while Byrhandre Dolf provided exceptional accuracy with eight successful conversions.

The victory represents a significant milestone for South African women's rugby, ending their 14-year wait for success at the Women's Rugby World Cup while simultaneously welcoming Brazil to rugby's premier women's tournament.

SportsLigue