Eve Higgins pounced with the key try as Ireland emerged from a test of character to launch their World Cup with a 42-14 victory over Japan.
Japan, positioned six places below their opponents in the global rankings in 11th place, were in the midst of an swashbuckling fightback at Franklin’s Gardens as they battled to overturn a 28-14 deficit.
But, just as they looked destined to strike again, outstanding inside centre Higgins picked off a floating pass and ran the length of the field to score. It was a cruel blow for Japan to absorb and they were unable to recover.
Ireland had shown their mettle to dispatch tricky Pool C opponents by making the most of their greater physicality and it was early handling errors that prevented them from taking the lead sooner than wing Amee-Leigh Costigan’s fifth-minute try.
A big opening W!
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