Ireland Lose Second Test As Tour Ends In Drawn Series

Japan showed their mettle as they bounced back from their first Test loss to Ireland, winning 29-10 in Tokyo to draw keenly-contested summer series.

A bright start from Ireland, with an early try from Natasja Behan, was not enough of a springboard as the hosts dominated possession and showed their experience against a youthful Ireland side.

Japan went in 12-5 up at half-time and clinically took their chances in the second half to finish as convincing 19-point winners in front of an appreciative home crowd.

Speaking after the game, Ireland head coach Greg McWilliams paid tribute to Japan’s performance, saying: “I think we saw today a side that is heading to a World Cup.

“We put a huge effort into last week and it was hard for us to maintain that this week, but it has been a wonderful tour and we want to thank the Japanese people who made us feel so welcome.”