Ireland eventually pulled clear to claim a flattering 41–10 win over Japan at a sun-soaked Aviva Stadium on Saturday,but the performance left as many questions as answers for coach Andy Farrell.
After falling to New Zealand 26–13 in Chicago last week, Farrell’s men were expected to deliver a statement victory at home against a Japan side still reeling from their 61–7 drubbing by South Africa. Yet despite perfect conditions, Ireland labored for much of the contest, struggling for fluency and committing 19 handling errors to Japan’s 17.
The game only truly swung Ireland’s way in the final quarter, when the introduction of Cian and Sam Prendergast, along with Jack Conan, injected much-needed energy. Three late tries in the closing 14 minutes stretched the margin and gave the scoreboard an undeserved shine.
“We wanted to put in a better performance for the home crowd,” said man of the match Tommy O’Brien. “We brought plenty of energy and improved massively in the second half. We had a few new players out there today and tried to play a fast brand of rugby,that will come with errors.”
Ireland’s first-half tries came from flyhalf Jack Crowley — finishing a slick move assisted by captain Caelan Doris — and flanker Nick Timoney, who capitalized on a broken play to score his fifth try in as many Tests. Crowley’s boot made it 17–0 after 30 minutes.
But Japan, led by the lively Kippei Ishida and Naoto Saito, entertained throughout. Their adventurous play forced Ireland to make nearly twice as many tackles, and they were rewarded before halftime when Kenji Sato powered over from a rolling maul.
The second half saw Ireland reduced to 14 men after Jacob Stockdale’s yellow card, but prop Andrew Porter muscled over to extend the lead. Stockdale thought he had ended his four-year Test try drought soon after returning, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
Late replacements made the difference. Hooker Gus McCarthy scored from a maul, prop Paddy McCarthy followed suit, and O’Brien capped his standout display by finishing a sweeping move that began with a dazzling behind-the-back pass from Sam Prendergast.
English