Japan fell 36-20 to Ireland in Newcastle on Saturday in the Nations Championship despite a strong showing that impressed coach Eddie Jones.
Japan struck first with a 60-meter try by wing Taira Main. The team led early and remained within six points of Ireland with 10 minutes remaining before a late converted try sealed the result.
Eddie Jones, Japan's Australian coach, praised the performance. "Seventy minutes it's 26-20, we're playing without our two centers so I think it's pretty obvious that the team is competitive," he said. Jones noted that Ireland is a top-three side and that Japan had opportunities to win.
The Brave Blossoms had beaten Italy 27-10 in Tokyo the previous week. They next host France, who defeated Australia 42-26 in Brisbane, on home soil next weekend.
