Ireland rocked by Japan as host nation World Cup trend continues

Playing the host nation in any major tournament is always significant, and Ireland were fully conscious of this across the media in the build-up, and I imagine under the Joe Schmidt meticulous game week preparation also.

Playing the host nation at a World Cup was nothing new for Ireland, defeats against Australia (RWC 2003) & France (RWC 2007) trigger their memories of Rugby World Cup yesteryear. But in 2019, Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa would provide Ireland with the stage and opportunity to get one over the hosts for a change.

A nervy start from Ireland’s point of view crept into the team when Peter O’Mahony gave away an early penalty and a wayward Ireland lineout allowed Japan to move out of the danger zone.

But Joe Schmidt’s men gained some composure through Jack Carty. The Connacht out-half attempts at two cross kicks earned Ireland their first try through Garry Ringrose, and Carty’s later overhead kick found the breadbasket of Rob Kearney to put Ireland 9 points ahead.

But the Japanese continued to play high tempo Rugby with some excellent build-up play and handing skills which put Ireland under a lot of pressure.
The Irish penalty count only increased as the clock ticked towards the break, and it was all Japan at that stage though solid set-play and ability to find space inside the Ireland half.

Joe Schmidt and his team were likely relieved to hear the halftime whistle, having kept the whirlwind at bay to lead by just 3 points. On the other hand, Japan were unlucky not to head into the changing room with a draw at the very least, having missed a kickable penalty in the opening minutes.

The second half was nothing short of a high tempo/open style of Rugby which favoured the hosts. Japan put Ireland under huge pressure in a period of chaos around the park. Japan’s newly found confidence allowed them to attack with ease which made Ireland uncomfortable.

The uncomfortableness of it all increased for Ireland when Kenki Fukuoka scored Japan’s first try of the game and when out-half Yu Tamura nailed the ball between the posts, the hosts led the game by 4 points after what was a well-deserved try, having done all the work in first fifteen minutes of the second half. Ireland were rocked and on the ropes.

Japan converted another penalty and entered the final 10 minutes of play having steered their way to a now seven-point lead. Japan almost scored a breakaway try through Fukuoka, only for Keith Earls to trackback and make the tackle.

It was simply too little too late for Ireland as they found themselves on their own five-metre line as the gong sounded. Japan replicated their worldbeating form once again, having done similar to South Africa in 2015. Ireland can now add their third defeat against the host team at a Rugby World Cup to their history books. 2003, 2007 and now, 2019. The trend continues.

KEY MATCH NOTES

5” Penalty Japan. Missed by Yu Tamura (0-0)

13” Try Ireland. Garry Ringrose collecting a Jack Carty crosskick to score his first RWC Try. Conversion missed by Carty. (0-5)

17” Penalty Japan. Converted by Yu Tamura. (3-5)

21” Try Ireland. Rob Kearney catches a little overhead kick from Jack Carty. Converted by Carty. (3-12)

39” Penalty Japan. Converted by Yu Tamura. (9-12)

HALFTIME: Japan 9 – 12 Ireland

54” Penalty Japan. Missed by Yu Tamura (9-12)

59” Try Japan. Substitute Kenki Fukuoka goes over the corner. Converted by Yu Tamora  (16-12)

72” Penalty Japan. Converted by Yu Tamura. (19-12)

80” FULLTIME: Japan 19-12 Ireland