Ireland Women vs Japan Women Preview
Ireland and Japan Women clash in Group A for their opening Rugby World Cup fixture on August 24th at Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton. The Girls in Green will want to get off to a good start as they look toward a clash with New Zealand later on.
The girls in green have an excellent record against Japan. However, they could not string positive performances together in the last major competition, the Six Nations in March. Can they assert themselves as a force in this tournament, or will Japan spring a surprise in the opener?
Ireland Women vs Japan Women Predictions
Predicted Score: Ireland 38 – 12 Japan
One of our best rugby predictions is for Ireland to begin their World Cup campaign with a dominant victory over Japan on Sunday. This will be the first Group A clash, played at Franklin’s Gardens in Northampton, and it represents a huge opportunity for Scott Bemand’s side to set the tone. They arrive with momentum after their warm-up matches. The squad seems to be in a better place than it was even six months ago. The Irish players will know that a strong start is vital in a pool that also features New Zealand, and they’ll want to make a statement here.
Ireland’s World Cup preparations have been mixed but encouraging. They showed flashes of real attacking sharpness in the Six Nations. They crushed Italy and Wales, winning by 42 and 26-point margins respectively. Coach Scott Bemand has spoken about his squad being “ahead of schedule” in their development, and this match offers the perfect chance to showcase that progress. A clinical display here would give them the belief to push for qualification to the knockout stage.
One big setback for Ireland is the loss of Erin King. The back row star suffered a knee injury in the Six Nations and will miss the entire tournament. King’s absence is a hammer blow. Her tackling and ball-carrying have been central to Ireland’s progress over the past two years. Yet, as often happens in tournament rugby, it creates space for others to step up. Players like Grace Moore and Brittany Hogan will have to shoulder extra responsibility in the pack. This could be their chance to make a name for themselves on the global stage.
Japan cannot be underestimated. The Sakura Fifteen are reigning Asia Rugby Women’s Champions after hammering Kazakhstan and Hong Kong China earlier this year, and they arrive with plenty of confidence. Their speed in the backline and ability to keep the ball alive will test Ireland’s defensive structures. Still, Japan face a step up in class against a Tier 1 opponent, and the physical mismatch in the forwards could prove decisive.
The good news is that Aoife Wafer is close to full fitness. The Six Nations Player of the Tournament has been carefully managed in the build-up, and Bemand is unlikely to risk her from the start. Expect her to be introduced in the second half if the game is still in the balance. Wafer’s dynamic running and ability to break the gain line could be a game-changer, particularly against a Japanese side that may struggle with Ireland’s physicality at close quarters.
Amongst the backs, much will rest on Dannah O’Brien. The young Leinster fly-half has become Ireland’s lynchpin in attack, and her control of territory through the boot will be essential. O’Brien has shown growing confidence with her place-kicking, and in a World Cup, those small margins can define games. Alongside her, Aoife Dalton’s running threat in midfield and Amee Leigh-Costigan’s versatility offer Ireland multiple options to break down Japan’s defence. Linda Djougang in the front row will also be key. Her scrummaging power and leadership could give Ireland the platform they need to dominate possession.
Ireland should have too much quality and physical dominance over 80 minutes. Expect the Sakura Fifteen to produce moments of flair and resilience, but Ireland’s structure, discipline, and stronger bench options should see them pull clear. Bemand’s side will be targeting a bonus-point victory here, and they can achieve it with a comfortable margin.
Players to Watch
- Dannah O’Brien (Ireland, Fly-Half): The fly-half has matured rapidly since breaking into the Ireland side and looks ready to shine on the biggest stage. Her game management, kicking accuracy, and calmness under pressure will be vital in steering Ireland through this opener. If O’Brien dictates tempo and territory, Ireland should have too much for Japan.
- Mana Furuta (Japan, Scrum-Half): The scrum-half is the heartbeat of the Sakura Fifteen. Her quick service, sharp eye for a gap, and leadership in organising Japan’s backline will be crucial if they are to unsettle Ireland. Furuta thrives on a high-tempo game, and if Japan can secure enough quick ball, she can spark moments of brilliance.
Ireland Women vs Japan Women Betting Tips
- Halftime Handicap – Ireland -9: Ireland should blow away Japan here with their superior quality. Their attacking instincts will be high, and they will smell blood with every drive. We think the Girls in Green can storm ahead inside 40 minutes. A bet on Ireland -9 at halftime is worth 3/4 for anyone betting on the handicap.
- Handicap – Ireland -21: Bemand’s team are overwhelming favourites here, so the handicap is where most of the value is. They stormed to massive victories over Wales and Italy in the Six Nations, and this should be much of the same. Bet on Ireland to cover a -21 handicap, worth 10/11 with our online sportsbook
- Try Scorers – Dannah O’Brien to score 2+: Dannah O’Brien is normally the heartbeat of Ireland’s attack through her distribution and kicking game, but this match against Japan could present her with more scoring chances than usual. Ireland will dominate territory and possession, which means their fly-half should get front-foot ball in advanced positions. O’Brien has shown a growing willingness to take on the defensive line, and Japan’s biggest weakness is its ability to defend around the fringes. Back her to score two tries if you are betting on the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Ireland Women vs Japan Women Rugby Head-to-Head and Key Stats
Japan and Ireland have met five times across the past decade, and the ledger favours the Girls in Green 4-1. The outlier was a notable Japanese win in August 2022. The Sakura Fifteen prevailed 29-10 just a week after Ireland had run riot 57-22 in the first game of that two-match series. That split neatly sums up the dynamic between these sides. Ireland generally imposes itself with set-piece control and gain-line power, but Japan have the speed and precision to punish any lapse in focus.
Recent meetings underline two clear patterns. First, when Ireland clicks, they tend to win emphatically. Second, tight contests usually tilt Ireland’s way, as shown by the 15-12 arm-wrestle in November 2021 and the 24-14 World Cup pool victory in 2017. That blend of power and composure has been the difference late in games. Ireland’s maul, scrum, and exit kicking have repeatedly squeezed Japan’s field position.
Context matters, and Ireland arrives with confidence and a clearer identity under Scott Bemand. That is even with injuries forcing depth players to step forward. Japan, meanwhile, remains dangerous when they raise the tempo and keep the ball alive. Their 2022 win came off quick rucks, smart support lines, and ruthless finishing. If Ireland’s discipline slips and the breakdown becomes unstructured, Japan have the pace to flip momentum. But history suggests that over 80 minutes, Ireland’s pack tilts the matchup in their favour.
Ireland Women vs Japan Women Rugby H2H Last Five Games
- Japan 29 – 10 Ireland (27/08/2022)
- Ireland 57 – 22 Japan (20/08/2022)
- Ireland 15 – 12 Japan (20/11/2021)
- Ireland 24 – 14 Japan (13/08/2017)
- Ireland 55 – 0 Japan (14/11/2004)
