Ireland Beats Japan 36-20 for Bonus-Point Win in Nations Championship

Ireland defeated Japan 36-20 in a Nations Championship match in Newcastle, Australia, on July 11. The visitors scored five tries for a bonus-point victory that lifted their tally to 10 points from their opening two fixtures. Japan struck first when wing Taira Main ran 60 meters for a try.

Ireland responded before halftime with scores from flanker Nick Timoney, prop Tom O’Toole and center Robbie Henshaw to lead 19-13 at the break. No. 8 Sean Jansen added his first test try on debut early in the second half.

Japan replacement hooker Hayate Era narrowed the margin to six points just after the hour. A penalty and a late try by replacement hooker Tom Stewart sealed the result. Coach Andy Farrell handed debuts to four players, including props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo and back-row Bryn Ward from the bench.

He said afterward: “I would say relief more than pleased. ” Farrell added that the scoreline flattered his side. “It was far from perfect and there were a few errors out there but we stuck at it and kept squeezing them until the end,” he said.

Japan had beaten Italy the previous weekend and remained within six points with 10 minutes left. The team will host France in Tokyo on July 18. Ireland faces New Zealand at Eden Park the following weekend.