Eve Higgins scored the pivotal try as Ireland launched its Women's Rugby World Cup campaign with a 42-14 victory over Japan in Northampton, England, on Sunday.
Japan was on the attack and pressing for another try while trailing 28-14 before inside center 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 the Pool C clash after Ireland wing Amee-Leigh Costigan's fifth-minute try had broken the deadlock.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.