Ireland edged Japan 36‑20 in round two of the Nations Championship in New South Wales.

The Irish side, managed by Andy Farrell, secured a second bonus‑point win after a 10‑minute second‑half surge that began with a try from debutant Sean Jansen. Jansen, a New Zealand‑born number eight, broke the back of the Brave Blossoms after earlier scores from Nick Timoney, Tom O'Toole and Robbie Henshaw.

A 20‑minute burst of Japanese fire saw Taira Main and full‑back Takuro Matsunaga add points, with Matsunaga’s 17‑point haul from last week’s Italy win keeping Japan ahead at half‑time. The Japanese line‑out faltered when an errant throw by Ronan Kelleher gave Ireland a platform for Tom Stewart’s late try, sealing the sixth straight win for the Irish.

With the win, Ireland now have 10 points from two games, keeping them in contention for the title and setting up a clash with New Zealand at Eden Park next week. Japan will face France in Tokyo, while the Irish squad will test depth with nine changes in this fixture. The result signals that Ireland can handle pressure and stay resilient when the game shifts, a factor that will shape their campaign against the All Blacks.