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

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.

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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.

Taira Main gave Japan an early lead but tries from Nick Timoney, Tom O'Toole and Robbie Henshaw ensured Ireland led by six points at the break, but Takuro Matsunaga scored two penalties to keep Japan in touch.

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 before replacement hooker Hayate Era responded 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, though, 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.

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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

• New Zealand 47-17 Italy
• Australia 26-42 France
• Japan 20-36 Ireland
• Fiji vs England (2.10pm)
• South Africa vs Scotland (4.40pm)
• Argentina vs Wales (8.10pm)

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)