Ireland 36-40 USA: 'We should have won' - Scott Bemand frustrated as Irish surrender 19-point lead

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand said their defeat against USA in the WXV Global Series opener at Tallaght Stadium was "a game we should have won".

USA, led by County Dublin-born head coach Jack Hanratty, fought back from trailing 31-12 at one stage of the second half to score four successive tries and claim a 40-36 comeback win.

A loss of discipline in the second half contributed to Ireland's loss after their impressive first-half display, and Bemand was frustrated that they let the game slip out of their control.

"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 told TG4.

"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."

USA stun Ireland with comeback WXV win in Dublin

A late try from Dorothy Wall as the clock ticked into red gave Ireland the chance to snatch a late win, but they were unable to add another with their last attack of the game as USA turned the ball over.

While pleased with the resilience shown from his side to keep fighting to the end, Bemand was disappointed that they were forced to scramble for a late winner having cruised through long periods of the game.

"You never expect our girls to give up but it's a shame we put ourselves in that position," he added.

"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.

"How we rally at the end, you don't want to find yourselves in a position to do that."

Next up for Ireland is two games against Japan, one in the WXV in Galway next weekend and another in Cork at the start of October, and Bemand is hoping for a strong response.

"Every time we have issued a challenge to our players they've responded. We need to get 80-minute performances, having a good 40 minutes isn't what we're about," he added.

"It's two more opportunities to show what we can play like. [I'm] really excited with how we can take our learnings today and go and come back better."