Ireland outlasts Japan for win in Nations Championship clash
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 2:27 PM
Last updated Jul 11, 2026
Ireland secured a 36-20 victory over Japan in the Nations Championship at McDonald Jones Stadium on July 11. Despite the scoreline, Ireland's coach Andy Farrell expressed relief following a scrappy performance. Key tries came from Nick Timoney, Tom O'Toole, Robbie Henshaw, debutant Sean Jansen, and Tom Stewart. Japan's Taira Main and Hayate Era scored but could only manage to close the gap temporarily. Farrell acknowledged the need for improvement amidst the errors, while Japan remains focused on their next match against France.
- •Ireland scores five tries in the match
- •Sean Jansen named man of the match
- •Tadhg Beirne captains Ireland for the first time
- •Japan's next match is against France in Tokyo
- •The game was marked by Ireland's set-piece mistakes
- 2:27 PMYahoo Sports — Scoreline flattered Irish, admits relieved Farrell
"Ireland boss Andy Farrell admits he is "more relieved than anything" after his side battle through a scrappy performance to beat a spirited Japan in Australia.
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