​Ireland extended their flawless Nations Championship run with a convincing 36-20 victory over Japan in Australia, securing a bonus point as Sean Jansen marked his international debut with a try. The win keeps Andy Farrell’s side firmly atop the Northern Hemisphere group with two wins from two matches.
Alongside Jansen’s memorable first score, Ireland crossed the line through Nick Timoney, Tom O’Toole, Robbie Henshaw, and Tom Stewart. Ciaran Frawley added six points from the boot, while Harry Byrne contributed four, helping Ireland to consolidate their commanding lead in the match. Head coach Farrell handed nine alterations to the side that narrowly defeated Australia, naming Tadhg Beirne as captain for the first time and Ronan Kelleher earning his 50th cap in the process.
Jansen started at number eight, supported by fellow Connacht players Billy Bohan and Sam Illo, and Ulster back-rower Bryn Ward, all making their Ireland debuts off the bench. Japan struck early, capitalising on a mistake-laden Irish lineout in the third minute to give Taira Main a try and momentarily upset the fixture’s rhythm. Yet Ireland quickly recovered their poise and began to impose themselves, laying the groundwork for the crucial bonus-point win.
Bundee Aki showed typical enterprise as Ireland sought momentum, with Henshaw taking a hefty blow but remaining pivotal as Timoney powered over for a seven-point response, bringing the teams level in the early stage. Ireland’s lineout misfired again shortly after, before Takuro Matsunaga nudged Japan back in front with a penalty. Ireland then seized the advantage, culminating in O’Toole diving over for a try in the 20th minute, converted with help from Stuart McCloskey.
Matsunaga’s second penalty briefly put Japan back in front, yet Henshaw’s try just before the interval, following a strong build-up, left Ireland ahead 19-13 at halftime. Illo was introduced for his debut in a double change as Ireland entered the second half with renewed clinical focus. Bundee Aki added impetus after the restart, finishing a sustained phase with a timely finish that brought Ireland within sight of the bonus point and set up Jansen’s clinching score in the 50th minute.
Japan remained competitive, riding a wave of pressure from Ireland’s lineout miscues to fashion a try for substitute hooker Hayate Era just before the hour, narrowing the deficit to 20-29. Harry Byrne’s penalty extended Ireland’s cushion, and Era was shown a red card with three minutes remaining, reducing Japan to 14 men. Tom Stewart then finished the match in style, aided by a superb pass from Ulster fly-half Nathan Doak, as Ireland sealed the 36-20 triumph.
This result underlines Ireland’s status as a leading force in their group, with Farrell’s refreshed squad delivering a well-rounded performance across areas of strength. The homeward-honed discipline in the set-piece, coupled with the new-crop impact from Jansen, Illo, Bohan, and Ward, demonstrates Ireland’s depth as they continue their campaign with momentum and confidence.