Japan 20–36 Ireland: match report & highlights

Full-time: Japan 20 – 36 Ireland

Ireland secured a convincing Nations Championship victory over Japan with a 36–20 triumph that showcased their attacking prowess and resilience. Japan made a brisk start through early tries, establishing themselves as genuine competitors, but Ireland's response was swift and clinical. The turning point came as Ireland built momentum through the first half, with tries from Nick Timoney, Tom O'Toole, and Robbie Henshaw establishing a slender advantage at the interval. Japan refused to surrender, striking back in the second half with their own try, but Ireland's superior depth and composure proved decisive.

The final quarter belonged entirely to Ireland as they pulled away from their determined opponents. Sean Jansen extended their advantage early in the second half, and though Japan continued to battle, the introduction of fresh legs and continued Irish intensity proved too much. A yellow card to Hayate Era shifted the balance decisively in Ireland's favour, and Tom Stewart's late try confirmed the outcome. Harry Byrne's conversion capped a strong performance that will provide Andy Farrell's squad with considerable satisfaction and momentum heading into their next fixture.

Key moments

• 80' 80' Conversion: Harry Byrne (Ireland) — Japan 20 – 36 Ireland
• 80' 80' Try: Tom Stewart (Ireland) — Japan 20 – 34 Ireland
• 71' 71' Penalty: Harry Byrne (Ireland) — Japan 20 – 29 Ireland
• 60' 60' Conversion: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 20 – 26 Ireland
• 59' 59' Try: Hayate Era (Japan) — Japan 18 – 26 Ireland
• 51' 51' Conversion: Ciaran Frawley (Ireland) — Japan 13 – 26 Ireland
• 51' 51' Try: Sean Jansen (Ireland) — Japan 13 – 24 Ireland
• 35' 35' Conversion: Ciaran Frawley (Ireland) — Japan 13 – 19 Ireland
• 35' 35' Try: Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) — Japan 13 – 17 Ireland
• 28' 28' Penalty: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 13 – 12 Ireland
• 21' 21' Try: Tom O'Toole (Ireland) — Japan 10 – 12 Ireland
• 18' 18' Penalty: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 10 – 7 Ireland
• 10' 10' Conversion: Ciaran Frawley (Ireland) — Japan 7 – 7 Ireland
• 9' 9' Try: Nick Timoney (Ireland) — Japan 7 – 5 Ireland
• 5' 5' Conversion: Takuro Matsunaga (Japan) — Japan 7 – 0 Ireland
• 4' 4' Try: Taira Main (Japan) — Japan 5 – 0 Ireland

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Highlights