Bemand: Ireland loss to USA 'a game we should have won'

Ireland lost 40-36 to the USA in the WXV Global Series opener at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin on 20 September 2026, a result head coach Scott Bemand described as "a game we should have won." The Irish had held a 31-12 advantage during the second half before the USA mounted their comeback.

After Ireland's strong opening phase, USA — led by County Dublin-born head coach Jack Hanratty — produced four successive tries to overturn the match, and Bemand pointed to a loss of discipline in the second half as a key factor in surrendering control. He expressed frustration that Ireland allowed the momentum to shift away from them.

Bemand told TG4: "We came out of the blocks, moved the ball well and got momentum and showed our style of play. USA then got some momentum using their power game and we've got to be a bit cuter and smarter in stopping teams getting that momentum."

He added: "When teams get momentum the penalty count is more likely go up. There's bits we can control, not from a discipline perspective but in terms of our technical process, how we can be faster finishing tackles and getting break down pressure."

A late try from Dorothy Wall as the clock ticked into red gave Ireland the chance to snatch a late win, but their final attack was turned over by the USA and they could not add another score. Bemand said: "You never expect our girls to give up but it's a shame we put ourselves in that position." He also said: "It's a game, I'm not saying we would have ever romped home on the scoreboard, but I think we'll look at it and think it's a game we should have won." He added: "Every time we have issued a challenge to our players they've responded."

Next up for Ireland are two fixtures against Japan, one in the WXV in Galway next weekend and another in Cork at the start of October, and Bemand said he expects a strong response. "We need to get 80-minute performances, having a good 40 minutes isn't what we're about," he added. "[I'm] really excited with how we can take our learnings today and go and come back better."