Canada 21-8 Ireland: Irish coach Bemand is hit in the first half after WVX1 defeat

After their shock victory over world champions New Zealand a week ago, Ireland started the match promisingly by applying early pressure.

However, they failed to convert their early territorial superiority into points and Bemand said the match video analysis will focus on that.

“We had chances in that game that we will look at quite closely. We converted a few of those chances in the first half and we were right in that game,” he said.

“A few loose decisions and botched decisions that cost us penalties, gave Canada their ‘in’ and suddenly you’re three tries down.”

Enya Breen, who captained the side during Edel McMahon’s injury-forced absence, praised the “fight” the team showed despite the defeat.

“Obviously a few key moments in the first half didn’t go our way and we found ourselves fighting from behind early on. I’m extremely proud of the fight the girls showed,” said the Ireland captain.

Ireland will conclude their tournament with next weekend’s match against the United States and Breen insisted the team would capitalize on momentum in that match despite Saturday’s defeat.

“Today doesn’t change that. Next week we’ll continue and keep building,” she said.