The Irish were under pressure against the physically stronger Americans side and did well to close out the 23-17 victory yesterday.

Speaking to irishrugby.ie in Paris after the match, she said they had known what to expect going into the game.

“In fairness to America they're very physical,” said Coghlan. “ We knew they were going to be and we prepared for it but it still didn't stop them at times.”

“Yeah, a very physical battle. Thankfully we came out the right side of it.”

The captain also felt that the more experienced Ireland side knew what was needed to ensure the win.

“We all knew what we had to do. There wasn't much time left and we wound the clock down quite cleverly.”

“I think the forwards took control of the game in the second half,” she added. “We kept it tight and we kept it to one-pass plays, which we needed to do, and it worked.”

Next up is a clash with reigning champions New Zealand, who beat Kazakhstan 79-5 in the corresponding fixture yesterday.

Coghlan is fully aware of the challenge they present but is bullish about Ireland’s chances.

“They're world champions four times in a row but they have been beaten. England have beaten them, Canada ran them close there in the summer internationals.”

“So there are chinks in their armour and it's (about) finding those chinks and exploiting them.”

Ireland play New Zealand on Tuesday at 5pm and the match will be shown live on TG4.