Ireland defeated an impressive Japan side 39-31 this past Saturday in their first game of the Summer Series.
The team captained by James Ryan were slow to get started in the first half but a highly improved second half saw them see off the visitors who had been recently defeated by the British and Irish Lions.
Japan took an early 3-point lead through a penalty from Yu Tamura after three minutes in the Aviva Stadium only for Chris Farrell to reply with a try minutes later.
On the 10-minute mark Japan went over for their first try of the day through a strong maul finished off by captain Michael Leitch.
Joey Carbery provided a piece of excellence in the 26th minute with a chip and chase that eventually found its way to Stuart McCloskey on who did well to keep his balance and cross the white line to give Ireland a 12-10 lead.
Ireland’s discipline and lineout looked to be the main problems early on as they conceded following a poor throw allowing the visitors to score for a 12-15 lead.
Ireland’s reply came at the 40-minute mark with Finlay Bealham the scorer following a tap and go after being held up only minutes earlier on the try line to give Ireland a 19-15 lead at the break.
Soon after the break, Japan provided excellent execution with another score following Tamura’s clever play from the boot which was finished off by Fifita who impressed throughout to leave the hosts trailing 19-22.
However, following Japan’s converted score, Josh Van Der Flier would drive over the line for a try which Carbery converted, putting Ireland up 26-24.
Jacob Stockdale would push out the lead for the Hosts with his 19th try for his country after 52 minutes of play to put Ireland up 31-24 against the visitors.
Japan again responded with Saito getting over the line to cut the lead to 33-29 after 57 minutes.
Ireland scored from a penalty soon after the visitors’ converted try to stretch the lead to 36-31 moments later and would do so again in the 68th minute for a 39-31 lead which would see the home side take the victory.
The second half showing was much improved from Farrell’s side as after a shaky first half saw their discipline improve. However, considering some important players for the Irish squad are with the Lions, the result will be seen as a positive one.
Munster Player of the Year Gavin Coombes also made his debut in Saturdays victory.