After a slow first half, Ireland came good to record a 41-10 victory over Japan in their Autumn Nations Series clash.
Having led 17-10 with tries from Jack Crowley and Nick Timoney at half-time, Andrew Porter, Gus McCarthy, Paddy McCarthy and Tommy O'Brien all crossed in the second half to put a gloss on the scoreline.
Jack Crowley kicked two conversions and a penalty, while Sam Prendergast added two conversions.
Here's how we rated the players.
15. Jamie Osborne – 7
The full-back went off late with what looks like a dislocated shoulder and must be a doubt for the rest of the series. Managed to make a few carries without breaking the line. Solid.
14. Tommy O'Brien - 8
Named official player of the match and, after four linebreaks, got the late try that his performance deserved, showing his pace to run in from halfway. Made over 140 metres with ball in hand overall, and always looked lively when in possession.
13. Tom Farrell 7.5
Impressive debut for the 32-year-old, who has waited a long time to get his chance. The Munster man was largely well marshalled by the Japanese midfielders but did manage to show his skills at times, made almost 40 metres with ball in hand.
12. Robbie Henshaw 7
Solid outing for the vastly experienced centre who did the basics well, carrying straight and hard. Made 10 tackles, the most of the Irish backs, against a lively opposition attack.
11. Jacob Stockdale – 6.5
Mixed day for the Ulster man who was sin-binned at the end of the first half for a head-on-head challenge on his opposite man and had four turnovers against him in the stats. Did make two linebreaks from 11 carries but might be frustrated at some of the final passes.
10. Jack Crowley 7.5
Was heavily involved and finished the first try to get Ireland up and running, adding to an early penalty. His touch kicking wasn’t at its best and the Ireland attack rarely clicked in a stuttering first half.
9. Craig Casey – 6.5
Had to work off mostly slow ball and came off second to opposite number Naoto Saito. Had a try assist for Andrew Porter. Might feel he didn’t put his best performance out there ahead of next weekend’s game against Australia.
1. Andrew Porter – 7.5
Another strong performance from the loosehead who went 68 minutes before making way for Paddy McCarthy. Made eight tackles and took his try very well, powering over from close range.
2. Rónan Kelleher – 6.5
Struggled out of touch as Ireland’s lineout continues to misfire. As usual, the hooker can’t take all the blame but must shoulder some responsibility. Big improvement in second half. Made some big hits among 12 tackles.
3. Thomas Clarkson 7.5
Dynamic performance from the tighthead, who made a big contribution to the opening try. Was penalised at an early scrum but made up for it as the game went on. Completed 15 tackles.
4. James Ryan – 7
Quiet enough in the loose from the Leinster lock who went about the bread and butter of his job description. Clever offload to set up Nick Timoney’s try. Conceded two penalties.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 6.5
Didn’t make the impact we are used to seeing but solid enough after getting his red card from last weekend rescinded. Took a couple of lineouts and made seven tackles.
6. Ryan Baird – 7
Another earnest effort from the Leinster forward who moved into the second row for the last half an hour. Took five lineout balls and got stuck in with 10 tackles.
7. Nick Timoney – 7.5
The Ulster wing forward as lively on both sides of the ball and got through a huge amount of work, 12 tackles in total. Took his try very well, using his pace to angle into the corner for a score that came from nothing.
8. Caelan Doris – 7.5
One of the better Ireland forwards on display, constantly available to carry and racked up 20 tackles, a team high. Shows no ill effects from his lengthy shoulder-injury layoff. Will be required at his best in the next two games.
Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy (for Kelleher 58) – 7
Nice cameo from the hooker, who got in for a maul try as Ireland pulled away.
17. Paddy McCarthy (for Porter 68) – 7
Will be delighted to get his first Ireland try on his second cap.
18. Finlay Bealham (for Clarkson 58) – 6.5
Got through his work in the final quarter as Japan tired.
19. Cian Prendergast (for Ryan 52) – 7.5
Came on and looked like he had a point to prove, ripped the ball in his first play and took four lineout catches.
20. Jack Conan (for Timoney 52) – 7
Part of the bench boost that saw Ireland home, carried hard during his half hour.
21. Caolin Blade (for Casey 62) – 6
Maybe tried a little too hard when he came on.
22. Sam Prendergast (for Crowley 52) – 7
Led the Ireland backline very well after coming on, delayed his pass perfectly to assist O’Brien’s try.
23. Jimmy O’Brien (for Osborne 68)
Not on long enough to rate.
