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Ireland player ratings vs Japan | Quilter Nations Series 2025
By Ian Cameron at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
In a game that felt very much like the disjointed Ireland of yesteryear, Andy Farrell’s men endured a struggle session in this 41-10 win over Japan.
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It might sound harsh considering the scoreline – which in truth flattered the hosts – but rather than boosting the team’s confidence, if anything, this display might sow further doubts in a side struggling to find form and, most tellingly, attacking shape.
Here’s how we rated the Ireland players:
1. Andrew Porter – 7.5
Gave Shuhei Takeuchi a torrid time in the early scrums but that battle evened out as the Japanese prop grew into the contest. Still not as active off the ball as we’re used to seeing, although his line for his 48th-minute try would do any centre proud.
2. Ronan Kelleher – 5
An overthrow on his first lineout, which was uncontested by the Japanese, wasn’t exactly the finest start and it set the tone for Ireland’s set-piece. He’s by no means completely to blame, as the lineout continues to be a problem, with no obvious fix in sight for Paul O’Connell and co.
3. Thomas Clarkson – 6
Scrummaged well against Kenta Kobayashi, at least breaking even against the Suntory loosehead, if not besting him.
4. James Ryan – 6.5
A nice assist for Nick Timoney’s try and proved Ireland’s most reliable option in what was an unstable lineout platform. Replaced by Cian Prendergast on 51 minutes.
5. Tadhg Beirne – 5
A less than ideal week for Beirne off the pitch — his disciplinary hearing and six stitches to the face care of an accidental Jack Conan elbow in training — translated into a pretty flat dislay.
6. Ryan Baird – 5
An anonymous first half for Baird, playing his part in a malfunctioning lineout. Part of a back-row that probably lost their unit battle with Eddie Jones’ Japan.
7. Nick Timoney – 7.5
Took off like a 112kg scalded cat to score from 20 metres out and was Ireland’s most physical back-row. Probably the pick of Ireland’s forwards.
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8. Caelan Doris – 7
Smashed in his first carry by a Japanese defender but got through a decent shift after that. Ireland have missed his combativeness in the contact zone, that’s for sure. Tackled his guts out with 20 completed.
9. Craig Casey – 6
Put pressure on the Japanese attack early doors but he was one of a number of Ireland players who struggled to hold onto the ball. Too many handling errors for a halfback. Didn’t keep Japan defenders honest as he failed to provide a realistic sniping threat.
10. Jack Crowley – 7
Kicked well out of hand and at the sticks and took Ireland’s first try on 19 minutes with no little flair before duly converting it. Hard to fault; the Munsterman’s grip on the jersey remains tight.
11. Jacob Stockdale – 5.5
Got a fine roar from the Aviva Stadium crowd on his first proper carry. His tackling — long his Achilles’ heel — was once again exposed brutally when getting bounced by 74kg Kippei Ishida. If the ignominy of that were not enough, he was yellow-carded for it. Looked to have pounced on a loose ball to score only to be found to be offside by referee Gianluca Gnecchi upon review. Had two rumbles upfield in the second half, which came to nothing.
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12. Robbie Henshaw – 6
A fairly classic Henshaw display, reliably trucking it up the middle — a blunt but effective instrument. You can’t help but wonder, as Ireland look to develop their attack, what Henshaw’s meat-and-two-veg attacking game is going to bring to the table? A few missed tackles into the bag too.
13. Tom Farrell – 5
The 32-year-old was clearly super eager to make an impression on his long-awaited debut — but things didn’t quite click for him. Not helped by a backline that struggled for continuity.
14. Tommy O’Brien – 7
An early turnover win on the books, O’Brien went on to spill a handful of balls. Looked to be in for a five-pointer just after half-time, only to be cut down by the excellent Osada, and fumbled a cross-field kick on 56 minutes. All his hard work eventually paid off when he broke away to score from 30 metres out, which put some shine on what was a patchy enough performance.
15. Jamie Osborne – 5.5
A disappointing display from Osborne, who struggled to find his rhythm in attack and unforgivably booted the ball out on the full after stepping out of his 22 under no pressure from Japan in the 34th minute.
Replacements:
16. Gus McCarthy – 7
Got a meat pie off a rolling maul and threw himself about.
17. Paddy McCarthy – 7.5
Managed to score in what was a short cameo; the unheralded rookie’s stock continues to grow.
18. Finlay Bealham – 6
A solid outing from the veteran Connacht prop, who kept his nose clean at the set-piece.
19. Cian Prendergast – 6.5
Solid work and has a great engine, even if there weren’t any breakout moments for the Connacht man here.
20. Jack Conan – 6
No-nonsense stuff from Conan but it’d be nice to see the superb British & Irish Lions version of the No.8.
21. Caolin Blade – 6
Picked up where Casey left off with a slightly confused service from the base.
22. Sam Prendergast – 7
Some fizzing lateral passes seemed to energise Ireland in attack, if he crabbed across the pitch a little on occasion. Ireland looked a little more dangerous with him on.
23. Jimmy O’Brien – N/A
Not on long enough to rate.
