Ireland beat Japan 36-20 at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday to secure a bonus-point win in the Nations Championship, with Sean Jansen marking his Test debut by scoring and taking man of the match honours.
The result gave Ireland a second win in 12 meetings with Japan, but it was not as straightforward as the scoreline suggested. Japan crossed after Irish line-out mistakes, and Andy Farrell said he was "more relieved than anything" after a stop-start contest that included a lot of errors and several new combinations.
A changed Ireland side gets the job done
Ireland made nine changes from the side that beat Australia 33-31 in Sydney last week, with Dan Sheehan rested before the next match against New Zealand in Auckland. Farrell said the coaching staff had put the players under pressure with the changes, and that some of the usual rhythm was always going to be missing when so many combinations were altered at once.
Even so, Ireland finished strongly and Farrell described it as a "good night at the office" given the experience the players can take from it. The scoreline was comfortable in the end, but the performance also showed why clean execution will matter more when the level rises again.
Beirne leads for the first time
Tadhg Beirne captained Ireland for the first time and said the side had too many self-inflicted problems, particularly around discipline and access near their own line. He pointed to set-piece errors that helped Japan build energy and create chances, while also crediting Ireland for fighting hard to keep them out at key moments.
For Ireland, the combination of a first captaincy, nine changes and a debut try scorer gave the win added significance. Sean Jansen called the moment a "dream come true," and Farrell said the way he attacked the game was a learning point for everyone, adding that his man of the match display was a major credit to him and a useful example for other newcomers.
With the Nations Championship moving on and tougher tests ahead, Ireland will take the result, the bonus point and the experience. The performance was imperfect, but the debut story and the late finish ensured the night carried more than just another win.
