Jump to main content

Menu

Ireland Lose Second Test As Tour Ends In Drawn Series

Japan showed their mettle as they bounced back from their first Test loss to Ireland, winning 29-10 in Tokyo to draw a keenly-contested summer series.

A bright start from Ireland, with an early try from Natasja Behan, was not enough of a springboard as the hosts dominated possession and showed their experience against a youthful Ireland side.

Japan went in 12-5 up at half-time and clinically took their chances in the second half to finish as convincing 19-point winners in front of an appreciative home crowd.

Speaking after the game, Ireland head coach Greg McWilliams paid tribute to Japan’s performance, saying: “I think we saw today a side that is heading to a World Cup.

“We put a huge effort into last week and it was hard for us to maintain that this week, but it has been a wonderful tour and we want to thank the Japanese people who made us feel so welcome.”