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Japan s Timothy Lafaele, right, runs in to score a try during a rugby international between Ireland and Japan at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, July 3, 2021. (Pool Photo via AP)
DUBLIN Ireland edged a thrilling back-and-forth match with Japan 39-31 before 3,000 entertained fans at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
The lead changed five times alone in a breathless first half that Ireland finished 19-17 ahead. Japan then went back in front for a fourth time and threatened a repeat of its historic first win over the Irish at its home Rugby World Cup in 2019.
But Ireland gradually asserted control and managed possession better. While Japan closed to trail just 33-31, Joey Carbery s two penalties gave Ireland a safe buffer against the tiring Japanese with 12 minutes to go.
Brave Blossoms fail to exploit their chances in loss to Ireland Sorry, but your browser needs Javascript to use this site. If you re not sure how to activate it, please refer to this site: https://www.enable-javascript.com/
Japan s Kazuki Himeno is tackled during a test match between the Brave Blossoms and Ireland in Dublin on Saturday. | POOL / VIA AFP-JIJI
Kyodo Jul 4, 2021
Second-half indiscipline ruined an often sparkling effort from Japan’s Brave Blossoms in a 39-31 loss to Ireland on Saturday in Dublin.
After an evenly matched and entertaining first half at Aviva Stadium, Japan were completely undone by repeated penalties that negated the visitors’ ability to score electric tries and allowed Ireland to avenge their 19-12 2019 World Cup loss to Japan.
Van der Flier outstanding for Ireland after missing out on Lions call-up
Ireland boss Andy Farrell praised the openside’s contribution against Japan. By Murray Kinsella Sunday 4 Jul 2021, 7:30 AM 9 hours ago 7,279 Views 10 Comments
Josh van der Flier was superb for Ireland yesterday.
Image: Bryan Keane/INPHO
Image: Bryan Keane/INPHO
TASKED WITH TAKING on an all-action role in Ireland’s back row against Japan yesterday, Josh van der Flier stepped up to the plate in typically energetic fashion.
The 28-year-old was named player of the match in Ireland’s 39-31 victory in Dublin after delivering a performance that featured ball-carrying, passing, work-rate off the ball, and plenty of committed tackling.
James Ryan thanks physios for getting him ready to captain Ireland wlrfm.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wlrfm.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.