Ireland defeat Japan to stay unbeaten

Japan 20-36 Ireland, Newcastle

Ireland made it two bonus-point wins from two in the Nations Championship with a hard-fought 36-20 victory over Japan in New South Wales.

Andy Farrell made nine changes to the side that beat Australia the previous week, and Ireland had to work through an uneven performance before finally pulling clear late on.

Sean Jansen marked his international debut with a try, while Nick Timoney, Tom O’Toole, Robbie Henshaw and Tom Stewart also crossed.

Japan stayed competitive for long spells and threatened an upset, especially after replacement prop Hayate Era scored in the second half. But Ireland finished stronger to secure maximum points.

Japan Strike Early

Ireland’s lineout problems appeared again early in the match, and Japan punished them. Ronan Kelleher’s throw missed James Ryan, allowing Japan to attack quickly before Taira Main broke through the Irish defence for the opening try.

Ireland responded well. After quick hands sent Jacob Stockdale into the Japanese 22, Timoney finished the move for his seventh try in 13 international appearances.

Takuro Matsunaga then kicked a penalty to put Japan back in front, but Ireland hit back three minutes later. Jimmy O’Brien’s linebreak gave the visitors field position, and O’Toole crossed for his first Test try, although Ciaran Frawley missed the conversion.

Ireland Edge Ahead Before Break

Japan continued to stay close, with Matsunaga adding another penalty to make it 13-12.

Ireland regained the lead through Henshaw, who marked his return to international rugby with a try after missing the Six Nations. The visitors had another late first-half chance, but Tiennan Costley produced an excellent tackle to deny Jansen near the line.

That left Ireland ahead at half-time, but Japan were still very much in the contest.

Stewart Seals Late Bonus Point

Ireland stretched their advantage after the break when Jansen finally got his debut try, crashing over after a spell of pressure.

Japan refused to fold. After another poor Irish lineout gave them a five-metre scrum, Era crossed to bring the Brave Blossoms back into the match and raise hopes of a late shock.

Ireland then introduced Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Bryn Ward for their debuts, before replacement fly-half Harry Byrne kicked a penalty to move the lead to nine points to 20-29.

Japan kept pushing, but Ireland held firm. Era was shown a yellow card with two minutes remaining, and Stewart broke through the tiring defence in the final minute to secure the bonus-point try completing a 20-36 victory.

Ireland now travel to Auckland to face New Zealand at Eden Park, while Japan return to Tokyo to play France.