Ireland player ratings vs Japan | Nations Championship 2026

Ireland player ratings: Against Eddie Jones’ Japan, nothing less than a convincing win would have been expected from Ireland, despite the Brave Blossoms’ eye-catching victory over Italy a week earlier. Played in the rugby league stronghold of Newcastle, this always looked like a useful test of Ireland’s depth and ambition.

Ireland got the job done, but it lacked the energy and urgency many supporters would have hoped for. For long spells it all felt strangely flat, with Japan bringing a level of physicality and intent that the visitors struggled to consistently match.

The final score eventually read 36-20 to Ireland, but this was an off-colour display that will leave both sides sour.

1. Tom O’Toole – 5.5
Up against Shuhei Takeuchi, the Ulster man was pinged at the first scrum and then again at the third. Eddie Jones’ pre-match prediction of Japanese dominance in this area sadly came true for O’Toole and company. Showed his value around the field and grabbed his first Ireland try on 20 minutes after combining neatly with Clarkson. The loose work was good, but the scrum malaise remains too significant an issue to overlook.

2. Ronan Kelleher – 4
Lineout issues returned almost immediately, with Taira Main scoring directly from an overthrow just two lineouts into the contest. Not straight on 24 minutes as Ireland’s lineout threatened to descend into full Chernobyl-mode. Never really recovered from that shaky start and endured an uncomfortable night at the set-piece.

3. Thomas Clarkson – 5
Tested throughout by Takato Okabe at scrum time, although Clarkson did come out on top in the second scrum on 12 minutes. Combined well in the build-up to O’Toole’s try. Like his fellow prop, he must hold his hand up for Ireland’s disintegrating scrum. Some bright moments in open play couldn’t disguise the pressure Japan generated.

4. Tadhg Beirne – 6
Outstanding from the bench against the Wallabies last week, but this was a far quieter assignment. For a player who so often imposes himself on games, Beirne never quite found his usual influence. His huge turnover on 46 minutes proved crucial and arguably saved Ireland’s bacon during a period when momentum was shifting.

5. James Ryan – 5
Somewhat culpable in the disastrous lineout sequence that gifted Japan their opening score. Penalised at another lineout on 24 minutes as he and Kelleher threatened a Keystone Cops routine. Energy levels looked a little drained. Produced a superb try-saving intervention on Sam Greene shortly after the hour. In attack, Ireland should perhaps adopt Eddie O’Sullivan’s old approach to Donncha O’Callaghan’s carrying – under absolutely no circumstances should Ryan be allowed to.

6. Jack Conan – 5
Usually the glue that holds the Irish pack together, but he was outshone by several teammates here. The phrase “phoned in” springs to mind, albeit perhaps a touch harshly. Improved considerably after the break even he looked to be nursing a shoulder problem before departing.

7. Nick Timoney – 8
One of Ireland’s standout performers. Opened Ireland’s account after some patient phase play and consistently carried with intent. His break just before half-time injected life into an Irish attack that badly needed it, linking effectively with Jansen. One of the few Irish players capable of generating genuine impetus whenever he got his hands on the ball.

8. Sean Jansen – 8.5
The New Zealand-born debutant made an immediate impression despite Ireland’s sluggish start. Plenty of heavy carrying, collision-winning contacts and an eye for a steal at the breakdown. The Dunedin man thoroughly deserved his try on 50 minutes, which finally created breathing space on the scoreboard. A very encouraging first outing.

9. Craig Casey – 6
Received anything but an armchair ride from the pack in front of him. Kicked a box kick straight out on the full after 15 minutes and made a poor decision with a skip pass near the Japanese line on 39 minutes. Fell off too many tackles and produced a bizarre moment when he left the ball in a scrum under huge pressure on 55 minutes, eventually conceding a penalty. Credit, though, for a crucial try-saving tackle a minute later alongside Ryan.

10. Ciaran Frawley – 5
Remarkably, given his obvious talent, this was Frawley’s first Ireland start at fly-half. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the audition he would have wanted. Missed his second conversion and never appeared comfortable against Japan’s ferocious line speed. Too many errors and too little authority. Those who question whether he possesses the presence required at Test level will feel they received plenty of ammunition.

11. Jacob Stockdale – 6
A couple of valuable kick-chase moments and generally showed good street smarts in the backfield. Defensively dependable without producing anything especially spectacular. One of those evenings where he quietly got through a lot of work.

12. Stuart McCloskey – 7
Penalised for playing the scrum-half on 17 minutes and handed Japan three easy points. Responded well. His direct, abrasive carrying caused the Japanese midfield plenty of problems and brought welcome physicality to Ireland’s attack.

13. Robbie Henshaw – 7
Some passing execution left a lot to be desired in his first Ireland start since last November. Answered criticism of his attacking threat by bulldozing over for Ireland’s try on 35 minutes. Typical Athlone-man display: plenty of graft, plenty of work and no shortage of effort.

14. Jimmy O’Brien – 6
Beaten by Main in the lead-up to Japan’s opening try but partly redeemed himself with an excellent aerial take shortly afterwards. Produced a sharp half-break on 19 minutes and generally looked one of Ireland’s more dangerous outside backs.

15. Jamie Osborne – 6
A relatively quiet first half with little opportunity to influence proceedings. Lost one turnover and struggled to inject himself into attacking patterns. Did very little wrong but equally failed to leave much of a mark. A chip-and-chase effort on 65 minutes summed up a frustrating evening as it came to nothing.

Replacements – 7
A mixed but generally positive contribution. Connacht prop Sam Illo made his debut on 48 minutes and, initially at least, Ireland’s scrum noticeably improved before Japan’s revamped front row began exerting pressure of their own. Bundee Aki brought the aggression, directness and edge that Ireland had been missing for much of the opening half. Tom Stewart was unable to fully repair a malfunctioning lineout but he got over the line light to put some polish on the scoreboard. Nathan Doak and Harry Byrne helped shore things up while Billy Bohan, Cormac Izuchukwu and Bryn Ward added fresh legs without dramatically altering the picture.