Ireland escaped a potentially embarrassing upset against Japan this afternoon, with Tom Tierney's side needing a massive second half comeback to secure a 24-14 victory in UCD.
The hosts had made a total of seven changes for their clash with Japan, who were condemned to a heavy defeat to France last week.
In a first half in which the visitors earned a penalty try, Ireland looked rattled. Fumbles, knock-ons and generally nervous play were evident as Ireland failed to execute the basics.
Things went from bad to worse before the break when Mayu Shimizu dodged tackles using excellent footwork and crossed for Japan's second try of the half.
Hosts @Irishrugby have a job on their hands as @JRFURugby lead approaching half time. #IREvJPN #WRWC2017 https://t.co/qwSyxpZTdh pic.twitter.com/yGMrayybs7
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) August 13, 2017
The two sides went in at the break, Tierney knowing changes needed to be made. Lindsay Peat and Cliodhna Moloney were sacrificed in place of Leah Lyons and Ruth O’Reilly.
Just two minutes after the restart things looked as though they would get even worse. Already two tries behind, Katie Fitzhenry was then sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.
Hopes of a comeback were reducing rapidly until Alison Miller dragged Ireland back into the game on 44 minutes.
Miller originally blocked down the clearing kick from the Japanese defence and the Irish charges began to push for their first score for the game.
Stapleton tacked on the additional two points and the Irish comeback was well and truly underway.
Paula Fitzpatrick put the Irish on level terms just after the hour mark. Ireland's lineout was well executed and the maul drove for the posts.
Fitzpatrick broke away and crossed the line when they were just feet short make it 14-14. Level at last, but Ireland weren't finished there.
It's going to be a thrilling final 10 minutes as @irishrugby and @jrfurugby are all square at 14-14 #WRWC2017 : https://t.co/qwSyxpZTdh pic.twitter.com/ZAYTUKChG7
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) August 13, 2017
With the clock ticking down, Sophie Spence broke away in the middle of the park, but was stopped about 12 metres short.
After countless phases and the ratcheting up of the tackles, Ireland won a penalty just short of the line with less than eight minutes to play.
Stapleton looked toward the posts and executed arguably the most important kick of her World Cup campaign to date.
Fitzpatrick secured her second try of the game as the clock ticked into the red and Stapleton completed the scoring with her conversion to finish the game.
Nerves aside, it's job done for Tierney's side. Next stop will be the French on Thursday night.
