Japan 20–36 Ireland: match report & highlights

Full-time: Japan 20 – 36 Ireland

Ireland's clinical Nations Championship performance saw them secure a commanding victory over Japan, with the visitors establishing control early and extending their advantage throughout the contest. Japan struck first with an early try, and the hosts mounted a spirited response through the opening half, keeping the scoreline competitive. However, Ireland's attacking prowess proved decisive, with their backline executing with precision to build momentum. By halftime, Ireland had established a narrow lead that masked their growing dominance in the breakdown and handling.

The second half saw Ireland pull decisively clear as Japan struggled to maintain their early intensity. A pair of tries in quick succession early in the second period shifted the momentum firmly in Ireland's favour, and though Japan refused to yield entirely with a try of their own, Ireland's control never wavered. As the match entered its final stages, Ireland added further tries to put the result beyond doubt, demonstrating the clinical finishing that separated the two sides over the eighty minutes.

Key moments

• 84' 84' Conversion: Harry Byrne (Ireland) — Japan 20 – 36 Ireland
• 83' 83' Try: Tom Stewart (Ireland) — Japan 20 – 34 Ireland
• 72' 72' 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