Ireland labored to defeat Japan 41-10 at sun-kissed Aviva Stadium but struggled for rhythm until the final quarter. Substitutes like the Prendergast brothers boosted energy against a tiring Japan, leading to three late tries. Despite ideal conditions, Ireland committed 19 handling errors.
On November 9, 2025, Ireland hosted Japan in a rugby international at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, winning 41-10 after a shaky performance. Coach Andy Farrell sought a strong home showing following a 13-26 loss to New Zealand in Chicago, while Japan appeared vulnerable after a 7-61 thrashing by South Africa the previous weekend.
Ireland managed only two tries in the first half amid erratic passes and unstable set-pieces. Flyhalf Jack Crowley scored their most fluid try with an assist from captain Caelan Doris, though against 14 Japanese players. Flanker Nick Timoney then burned the defense for his fifth try in five tests over four years, after Japan hesitated on a dropped catch by Tadhg Beirne that James Ryan recovered. Crowley's goalkicks led to a 17-0 score after 30 minutes.
Japan provided the entertainment, with backs Kippei Ishida and Naoto Saito forcing Ireland into twice as many tackles. Near halftime, their 10-man rolling maul carried Kenji Sato over for a converted try, narrowing the gap.
Ireland began the second half with wing Jacob Stockdale in the sin-bin but still scored via prop Andrew Porter's crash over, despite another loose pass involving Doris. Stockdale's potential first try in four years was ruled out for offside shortly after his return.
Substitutes transformed the game. Replacement hooker Gus McCarthy scored from a rolling maul to secure 27-10, followed by prop Paddy McCarthy's try. The finale came from a halfway turnover, with Sam Prendergast's behind-the-back pass sending winger Tommy O'Brien, the man of the match, away for a deserved score.
Ireland standout Tommy O'Brien told broadcaster TNT: “We wanted to put in a better performance for the home crowd. We brought plenty of energy and improved massively in the second half. We had a few new players out there today and tried to play a fast brand of rugby so that will come with errors.” Ireland won by six tries to one, with Australia next weekend. Both teams recorded high errors: 19 for Ireland, 17 for Japan.