Ireland built a 19-point lead against the USA in Dublin, led 31-12 in the second half of their WXV Global Series opener, and still found a way to lose it. The hosts watched the visitors claw back, then watched them score a sin-bin try that sealed the game. USA won 36-40, and the comeback was built by one player whose performance earned her the match.
The First Half Lead
The game started fast for Ireland. Vicky Elmes Kinlan opened the scoring, and Dannah O’Brien kicked the conversion. Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald and Aoife Wafer added tries to make it 24-12 at half-time.
Ireland stretched their lead early in the second half to 19 points, leading 31-12. That was the high point. The USA had other ideas.
The Comeback
The visitors, led by Freda Tafuna, fought back with four successive tries. Kathryn Treder scored twice, Hallie Taufoou added one, and Tafuna sealed the win. Tafuna’s try came while Kinlan was in the sin-bin, a detail that set the tone for the USA’s first win over Ireland since 2018.
Scott Bemand’s side are back in action next weekend away to Japan at the Dexcom Stadium.
What We Know
- Score: Ireland 36-40 USA
- Location: Tallaght, Dublin
- Ireland’s lead: 19 points, in the second half
- USA comeback: Four successive tries from Treder, Taufoou and Tafuna
- Tafuna’s try: Scored while Kinlan was in the sin-bin
- Last USA win over Ireland: 2018
- Next game: Ireland play Japan at Dexcom Stadium
The Verdict
Ireland built the lead, then watched the USA dismantle it. A 19-point advantage is a big number to give away, and the comeback was a complete reversal. The USA scored four tries in a row, and the sin-bin try that sealed the win was a decisive moment.
Bemand’s side will have to answer one question next weekend against Japan: can they close the door when they have the chance, or will they keep blowing leads they have built on their own? The Dexcom Stadium will show the answer.
Source material: “Ireland blow 19-point lead to lose to USA in WXV Global Series,” Sky Sports.
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