Much-changed Ireland beat Japan in Nations Championship as debutants impress

Bryn Ward of Ireland is tackled by Naoto Saito of Japan during the Nations Championship rugby international

A much-changed Ireland side overcame Japan 36-20 to make it two wins from two in the Nations Championship.

Andy Farrell’s side followed up their thrilling comeback victory over Australia last week with a solid performance at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia on Saturday morning – with debutant Sean Jansen scoring and picking up the player of the match award in an impressive performance as Ireland picked up the bonus point victory to remain top of the Northern Hemisphere group.

The victory secured a full haul of 10 points from their opening two games in the new global competition, and coach Andy Farrell was able to hand debuts ‌to four players.

All in, the Ireland head coach made nine changes and blooded more new talent as rookie Connacht props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo, as well as Ulster back row Bryn Ward, also made their debuts after coming off the bench – but it was Jansen who claimed the headlines with his display.

“I’m so privileged to wear this jersey,” said Jansen to Virgin Media Sport after the game. “What a win! When we found out, when the team got selected, us boys were so stoked, it was a dream come true.”

Tadhg Beirne captained Ireland for the first time and hooker Ronan Kelleher picked up his 50th cap but Japan, technically the home side for the fixture, took an early lead with a 60-metre try from wing Taira Main as he broke the Irish defensive line.

That only served to rouse the Irish forwards, who got to ‌work and had too much power for their opponents, with flanker Nick Timoney and prop Tom O’Toole crossing for tries before centre Robbie Henshaw added a third ‌before halftime to ensure Ireland led by six points at the break – but Takuro Matsunaga scored two penalties to keep Japan in touch.

Number eight Jansen, who showcased his dynamism and discipline with a dozen carries and 14 tackles, crashed over on his Ireland debut 10 minutes into the second half as the forwards carried on making metres before replacement hooker Hayate Era responded for Japan eight minutes later to keep the Cherry Blossoms within a converted try of the lead heading into the final quarter of the game.

Harry Byrne’s penalty nine minutes from time provided daylight for Ireland and they managed to hold on and Era was sent to the sin bin after multiple infringements in the 77th minute.

Tom Stewart completed the scoring by latching onto a pass from Nathan Doak and crossing to cap off a fine victory for Ireland with Byrne adding the extras just as Ciaran Frawley had done three times earlier in the game.

Japan will take plenty from the game following their victory over Italy last weekend, and only trailed by six points with 10 minutes remaining. It was another impressive performance against the side ranked third in the world, reflecting their recent progression under coach Eddie Jones.

Next up for Ireland, is a trip to face the All Blacks in Auckland, but Farrell’s squad will benefit from the respite afforded to key players such as tour captain Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose and Hugo Keenan ahead of next weekend’s clash.

2026 Nations Championship summer fixtures – all kick-off times BST

July 4

• New Zealand 34-32 France
• Japan 27-10 Italy
• Australia 31-33 Ireland
• Fiji 24-39 Wales
• South Africa 45-21 England
• Argentina 38-47 Scotland

July 11

July 18

• New Zealand vs Ireland (8.10am)
• Japan vs France (9.40am)
• Australia vs Italy (11.10am)
• Fiji vs Scotland (2.10pm)
• South Africa vs Wales (4.40pm)
• Argentina vs England (8.10pm)