Japan 20–36 Ireland: match report & highlights

Full-time: Japan 20 – 36 Ireland

Ireland secured a commanding Nations Championship victory over Japan with a performance that saw them build a decisive advantage in the second half. Japan made a bright start, striking first through Taira Main's early try, but Ireland responded with tries from Nick Timoney and Tom O'Toole to establish themselves. Robbie Henshaw's effort before half-time gave Ireland a six-point lead heading into the break, setting up a strong platform for the restart.

The second half proved decisive as Ireland extended their control. Sean Jansen crossed for Ireland's fourth try early in the second period, and despite Japan's response through Hayate Era keeping the contest alive, Ireland maintained their dominance. Harry Byrne's penalty widened the gap further, and Tom Stewart's late try sealed the result in style. A yellow card for Era in the closing stages summed up Japan's frustration as Ireland's superior execution in the final quarter proved too much to overcome.

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