Returning to Aviva Stadium for the first time since a comprehensive Six Nations defeat by France in March, Ireland did not initially get the response they hoped after last weekend’s loss at the hands of the All Blacks in Chicago.
Head coach Farrell made eight changes to his starting side but, as has often been the theme for his rotated sides in past Novembers, there was a distinct lack of rhythm in attack.
The early kick-off and a rare less-than-capacity crowd certainly gave a low-key feel but, after Japan dug themselves out of a 17-0 deficit to trail just 17-10 at half-time, there was no doubt Ireland were in a genuine battle.
The visitors, who famously beat Ireland at their own World Cup in 2019, arrived in Dublin off the back of a 61-7 drubbing at the hands of South Africa in Wembley last week but this did not have the same one-sided feel until the closing minutes.
Against New Zealand, Ireland’s set-piece struggled which in turn denied the side attacking opportunities through a game in which they managed just one try.
That their first line-out of the day was overthrown and resulted in a turnover did not hint at much of an improvement.
Even still, after the Irish pack made a considerably more encouraging start at the scrum, it was a surprise to see the hosts opt to kick for the posts after five minutes rather than trust their work out of touch to set up a maul.
Japan had plenty of ball in the early stages – as evidenced by the necessity for O’Brien to make a pair of breakdown turnovers in the opening quarter of an hour – but their momentum was stalled by centre Charlie Lawrence’s yellow card for a dangerous tackle in the 17th minute.
Tries through Crowley and Timoney either side of Lawrence’s return would have been expected to settle what had been a nervy beginning, but Ireland’s response to their 17-0 was a poor one.
A misplayed restart and lack of discipline allowed Japan back into the game with a converted mauled score and penalty from Jones’ side ensuring the 17-10 scoreline at the turn was a much fairer reflection of proceedings.
