Ireland maintained their flawless start to the Nations Championship, securing a bonus-point 36-20 victory over Japan in Australia, with Sean Jansen marking his debut with a try.
The win ensures Andy Farrell’s side remains at the summit of the Northern Hemisphere group, boasting two wins from two.
Beyond Jansen’s memorable score, further tries came from Nick Timoney, Tom O’Toole, Robbie Henshaw, and Tom Stewart. Ciaran Frawley contributed six points with the boot, while Harry Byrne added another four, solidifying Ireland’s commanding lead.
Head coach Andy Farrell had made nine alterations to the squad that narrowly defeated Australia, with Tadhg Beirne taking on the captaincy for the first time and hooker Ronan Kelleher earning his 50th cap.
Number eight Jansen started, joined by fellow Connacht players Billy Bohan and Sam Illo, and Ulster back-rower Bryn Ward, all making their debuts from the bench.
However, it was Japan who struck first, capitalising on an error-strewn Irish lineout in the third minute, allowing Taira Main to cross the whitewash for their opening try. Despite this early setback, Ireland quickly asserted their dominance to secure the crucial bonus-point win.
Ireland hit back six minutes later, keeping the pressure on after Henshaw took a big hit, and were rewarded when Timoney drove between the posts.
There was another poor lineout from Farrell’s side before Takuro Matsunaga pulled Japan back in front with a penalty, then Ireland took the lead when O’Toole crossed the whitewash in the 20th minute, aided by Stuart McCloskey.
The lead switched again as Matsunaga added a second penalty, but it was 19-13 to Ireland after Henshaw powered over with six minutes remaining in the first half.
Illo came on for his debut in a double-change for Ireland, who started the second half more clinically as fellow replacement Bundee Aki justified his introduction, latching onto a Henshaw pass.
His run got Ireland close, but it was Jansen who finally finished the job and secured the bonus point in the 50th minute.
Japan kept it a contest, taking advantage again after Ireland let themselves down from the lineout, paving the way for substitute hooker Hayate Era to battle his way to a try two minutes before the hour.
Byrne added a much-needed cushion with a penalty to make it 20-29 with 10 minutes remaining.
Japan were reduced to 14 men when Era was sent off with three minutes remaining before Stewart, set up brilliantly by Ulster team-mate Nathan Doak, sealed the win.
