'I’m just so privileged to be able to wear this jersey... a dream come true'

Ireland number eight Sean Jansen agreed it was a “dream” debut after scoring a try in their 36-20 bonus-point Nations Championship win over Japan in Australia.

Head coach Andy Farrell made nine changes from their narrow win over Australia, with Tadhg Beirne captaining for the first time and hooker Ronan Kelleher reaching a half-century of caps, also handing debuts off the bench to Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Bryn Ward.

New Zealand-born Jansen, who plays for Connacht in the United Rugby Championship, started at number eight and opened his Ireland account in the 50th minute in Newcastle.

“I’m just so privileged to be able to wear this jersey, and what a win,” Jansen, who was named player of the match, told Virgin Media Sport.

“When we found out, when the team got selected, us boys were so stoked, man, and it was a dream come true.

“We knew Japan were going to be a strong side. They’re a very fit team, and they were in there for the whole 80 minutes.

“Credit to them. They throw the ball around and they’re very fit, so we’re just happy to win the game.”

Ireland got the job done to ensure they lead the Northern Hemisphere group of the new competition with a perfect record after two matches, but did not always make it easy on themselves, repeatedly struggling in the lineout.

Nick Timoney, Tom O’Toole, Robbie Henshaw and Tom Stewart were responsible for Ireland’s other tries. Ciaran Frawley kicked three conversions while Harry Byrne weighed in with a conversion and a penalty.

Farrell, quoted on the BBC, said he felt “relief, more than pleased”.

He added: “Delighted to get the win for all sorts of reasons. The four debutants and all the changes etc, and because Japan are a good side that put us under pressure. The scoreline flattered us but delighted for the whole group.

“It was far from perfect and there were a few errors out there but we stuck at it and kept squeezing them until the end.

“We didn’t convert all our chances but we stayed in the fight and played at the right end of the field when it mattered at the end of the game. We’ll take that, sometimes that’s rugby.”

Farrell’s men will face their toughest test yet when they play Southern Hemisphere leaders New Zealand in the third round.