Scott Bemand’s Ireland secured their second WXV Global Series win of the autumn with a 40-27 victory over the Springbok Women.

In just the second meeting between the two nations, 11 tries were scored at Athlone Stadium in front of a strong home crowd.

Linda Djougang crossed twice, while Aoife Dalton, Jane Clohessy, Béibhinn Parsons and Erin King also touched down in a deserved Ireland victory.

Here is how Ireland’s player rated in Cape Town…

15. Stacey Flood — 6

One of Ireland’s top carriers, Stacey Flood again handled the secondary playmaker role with ease. Her distribution was solid throughout, although she was not as influential as she might have been. She turned the ball over twice.

14. Béibhinn Parsons — 6

Béibhinn Parsons had a mixed afternoon. The 26-year-old wing made more metres than anyone else in the match from just four carries, but also conceded four turnovers and was defensively at fault for Aseza Hele’s first-half try. She responded by scoring early in the second half to keep Ireland moving forward.

13. Anna McGann — 7

Anna McGann was once again one of Ireland’s busiest players. Her rangy, unpredictable running made her a constant threat, keeping the Springbok Women guessing throughout. She beat three defenders, carried 12 times and gained 46 metres.

12. Aoife Dalton — 7

A solid performance in midfield from Aoife Dalton. She showed tremendous determination to score Ireland’s opening try, completed 11 tackles and won a turnover. After a challenging September, this was a welcome return to form.

11. Robyn O’Connor — 7.5

The game’s leading metres-maker, Robyn O’Connor carried 10 times for 90 metres to help keep Ireland on the front foot. She also made two line breaks and beat three defenders. Although she did not get over the try line, she had plenty to be pleased with.

10. Dannah O’Brien — 7

A solid afternoon for Dannah O’Brien, who scored 10 points from the kicking tee and distributed well. She did not quite take the game by the scruff of the neck, but in a more attritional, forward-focused contest, she was not required to dominate. A useful confidence boost for the playmaker.

9. Emily Lane — 6

Emily Lane played 47 minutes in Cape Town and provided a lively presence at scrum-half. However, Scott Bemand introduced Aoibheann Reilly early in the second half, opting for her calming influence as Ireland looked to see out the game.

1. Linda Djougang — 8.5

Linda Djougang delivered another outstanding performance. Starting at loosehead before finishing at tighthead, she helped Ireland maintain an 86% scrum success rate and made her presence felt around the park. She finished with six carries, five tackles and two tries. Superb.

2. Neve Jones — 7

Neve Jones made a memorable contribution on her 50th cap, working tirelessly throughout the contest. No player completed more tackles, although Ireland’s lineout struggled to function consistently. A 69% success rate at the set piece limited the effectiveness of their driving maul.

3. Eilís Cahill — 7

Eilís Cahill held her own against the Springbok Women. Still relatively inexperienced at Test level, the tighthead prop looked comfortable in the front row, and Ireland maintained a 100% scrum success rate during her time on the pitch. She was replaced by Niamh O’Dowd in the 46th minute.

4. Jane Clohessy — 6

Jane Clohessy marked just her second Test start with a try. However, beyond her scoring contribution, she was less prominent than her second-row partner Dorothy Wall, while Ireland’s lineout struggled to click. Still, the 27-year-old did little wrong in a solid outing.

5. Dorothy Wall — 8

Dorothy Wall delivered a commanding, well-rounded performance. Comfortable in both attack and defence, she was influential around the park, getting quickly to rucks and making herself available in possession. Although she did not score, her 76 minutes on the pitch were a major positive for Ireland.

6. Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan — 5

Fiona Tuite-O’Sullivan may have hoped for more from her first start in the back row. Selected for her physicality, the Ulster forward made nine tackles and carried just four times. With Aoife Wafer injured, Scott Bemand may continue to develop the 29-year-old at blindside flanker. There are promising signs, even if this was not her most influential outing.

7. Erin King — 8

Erin King produced an eventful performance. Her second-half try helped put the result beyond doubt, while her carrying and defensive work were as reliable as ever from the Ireland captain. Despite spending 10 minutes in the sin-bin in the first half, she remained influential at the breakdown, winning two turnovers.

8. Brittany Hogan — 6

Brittany Hogan had a relatively quiet afternoon while deputising for the injured Aoife Wafer. The Sale Sharks back-row made five carries and eight tackles, and won a turnover, but struggled to make a major impact in possession.

Replacements — 6

A mixed showing from the bench. Aoibheann Reilly and Niamh O’Dowd impressed during their cameos, but the replacements made little overall impact despite Ireland opting for a 6–2 split. Eve Higgins’ second-half yellow card also added pressure at a crucial stage. There were individual positives, but Ireland would have wanted more from their bench as a whole.