Ireland overcame Japan to win both of their Rugby Nations Championship games in the first two weeks. They will now travel to Eden Park to take on the All Blacks, who have also won both of their games. Ireland conceded early but scored three first-half tries to take a half-time lead. Two tries and a penalty in the second half helped to keep Japan at bay. This was a good experiment for Farrell, who made huge changes to his team that defeated Australia the week before.
Ireland Player Ratings vs Japan
1- Tom O’Toole 7
Scored the second try of the game for Ireland to put them into the lead for the first time. Showed good power to get over the line. Scrum was relatively solid, although there were penalties given either way throughout the first-half.
2- Ronan Kelleher- 4
Some big set-piece struggles. Lots of missed lineout calls and throws not straight. Put Ireland under pressure throughout the game.
3- Thomas Clarkson- 6
A nice tip pass to his prop partner Tom O’Toole helped him get over the line for the second try.
4- Tadgh Beirne- 6
A relatively quiet performance from the skipper on the day and didn’t have the impact you would expect against opposition like Japan. Subs Izuchukwu and Ward, made more carries that Beire,
5- James Ryan 6
Made a great try-saving tackle in the 55th minute, which would have let Japan come back within 10 points. Came in over the top of Craig Casey to knock the man into touch. Had massive trouble in the lineout throughout this game, and his link with Ronan Kelleher wasn’t going well.
6- Jack Conan- 7
Conan did what he does best. He carried hard and was significant in the breakdown, but didn’t do these things as frequently as you would expect against a nation like Japan.
7- Nick Timoney- 8
Timoney scored the opener for Ireland to make it 7 tries in 13 caps. His performance didn’t stop there. He carried like a demon and made 15 tackles, the most of any Ireland player. Showed Farrell that he may be worthy of the starting 7 jersey more often.
8- Sean Jansen- 8
Made his debut in this game and scored to seal a great first game in green for the Connacht man. He beat five defenders and carried for 53 metres across 12 carries. Also made 13 tackles, the second most in the Ireland team.
Backs
9- Craig Casey- 6
A few mistakes from the jinky scrum-half. Ireland did appreciate his long left foot from the base of the ruck, but one or two misplaced passes at the wrong time. Occasionally put pressure on Frawley, who hasn’t played a lot at 10 this season.
10- Ciaran Frawley- 6
Not a regular at 10 this season, but will be moving to Conancht to take up the 10 shirt. Looked a little more comfortable when he moved back to full-back later in the game. Missed a simpler conversion in the first-half.
11- Jacob Stockdale- 6.5
Was very disciplined on his wing and made metres with each carry. He made one particularly important sweep back on defence in the first half where Osborne had competed in the air and Stockdale came back to settle the ball down to be cleared.
12- Stuart McCloskey- 7
Did what he does best and carried hard. He was taken off just before 50 minutes, more with an eye on next week to face the All Blacks, rather than anything he had done wrong here. Made a strong carry off a lineout on the Ireland 22, which, when offloaded to Nick Timoney, led to a massive line-break.
13- Robbie Henshaw- 7
Is as convincing that he is getting the ball when he is running a dummy line, as when he actually gets the ball. This makes him a great asset for a backline. Scored the try five minutes before halftime to put Ireland in front going into the break. A lead they wouldn’t give up.
14- Jimmy O’Brien- 5
Quiet on the wing. Didn’t see a lot of the ball and while he didn’t do anything wrong, wasn’t involved enough to make a positive impact.
15- Jamie Osborne- 7
Is such a useful player for Andy Farrell as he can play basically anywhere from 11-15. He is a smart player and is great with the ball in hand and with the boot. He is at risk going forward that he will fail to nail down an actual position as he is so good across a range of positions.
