Ireland player ratings vs Japan: 2025 Autumn Internationals

Saturday, 08 November 2025 at 14:30

byTom Sansom

Ireland player ratings vs Japan: 2025 Autumn Internationals as Andy Farrell's men made hard work of their win against the Cherry Blossoms in Dublin.

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Ireland struck early, with Jack Crowley’s penalty giving them a 3-0 lead after six minutes. Japan’s Charlie Lawrence was yellow-carded for a tip-tackle on Tom Farrell, giving Ireland a brief numerical advantage. Caelan Doris broke to the 5m line, Craig Casey recycled, and Tadhg Beirne passed to Crowley, who scored Ireland’s first home try, converted to make it 10-0.

Nick Timoney added a second try on the half-hour, breaking from Japan’s 22m after supporting Ryan Baird, Crowley converting for a 17-0 lead. Japan hit back before halftime with Kenta Kobayashi scoring from a rolling maul, Seungsin Lee converting and adding a penalty, cutting the deficit to 17-10.

In the second half, Andrew Porter scored a short-range try, followed by Gus McCarthy from a rolling maul. Ireland finished strong, with Paddy McCarthy and Tommy O’Brien adding late scores, sealing a dominant victory over Japan in Dublin.

Scroll down for Ireland player ratings vs Japan.

IRELAND: 41

Tries: Crowley 20, Timoney 30, Porter 48, McCarthy 66, 72, O'Brien 76
Cons: Crowley 21, 31, S.Pendergast 77
Pens: Crowley 7

Japan: 10

Tries: Sato 37
Cons: Lee 38
Pens: Lee 42

IRELAND PLAYER RATINGS VS JAPAN:

15. JAMIE OSBORNE 7.5 (OFF 65)

Whilst his highlight reels come on the wide channels, Osborne got stuck in with a resolute defensive effort and an eagerness to muscle through contact. Fortunate that an 11th-minute pass over his head was ruled forward, as a Japan wing had clear space to attack. Brilliant communication with Casey to gather a few box kicks. Penalised for crossing at the 25th minute, as Ireland forged an attack. Neat kicks to the backfield wrapped up an impressive, well-rounded performance.

14. TOMMY O'BRIEN 8

Tried to go to the boot in the early goings, with slight grubber kicks not finding their mark. Made a solid turnover at the 12th minute, after Ireland were undone by a tricky Japan break. Made a key hit on Epineri Uluiviti as the Japan lock broke free, forcing a fumbled off-load. Could not gather a 56th-minute looping pass that would have put him in to score in the corner. Capped off his efforts with a breakaway score along the right wing to end the afternoon.

13. TOM FARRELL 6.5

Making his Ireland debut after a series of stunning performances with Munster. Plenty of defensive work for Farrell to do, with a solid shift. Up-ended in a 16th-minute carry and landed on his neck by Charlie Lawrence. Worked well in the newly minted midfield axis alongside Robbie Henshaw, yet not the starring role he’s had in his provincial red.

12. ROBBIE HENSHAW 7.5

Solid in defence with a stand-out hit on the bulldozing Faulua Makisi in the early exchanges. Linked up well with debutant Tom Farrell for a first-time pairing in green that looked like an experienced midfield axis. A constant presence over the gain line, which Japan instantly tuned in to. Henshaw’s ability to switch up the attack and link in the outside backs kept space open wide when he released the ball.

11. JACOB STOCKDALE 6.5

Broke into the match at 18 minutes, as the wing flew along his touchline to get the Aviva out of their seat. Put in a belter of a hit on runaway prop Shuhei Takeuchi after the tighthead had skipped free from a breakdown. In hot water as a TMO review checked a high shot on Kippei Ishida, to receive a yellow card. Thankfully, that was the extent of his sanction. Had a try ruled out for offside, after a charge down spilled the ball in the backfield. Could not gather a 63rd-minute pass out wide that would have been a walk-in finish.

10. JACK CROWLEY (OFF 51) 8

It took just six minutes for Crowley to open Ireland's account with a well-struck penalty. Added the first try of the afternoon, weaving through the in-goal area for a well-finished score under the sticks. Carried on after a heavy double hit at the 44th minute took the wind out of him. Good kicks into the backfield kept Japan guessing his attacking intentions.

9. CRAIG CASEY 8

Showed great awareness to dive on a 9th-minute loose ball, as Japan's attack could not dent the green wall. Matched Japan's quick-ball and rapid intensity with a solid tempo to orchestrate the attack. Casey also provided neat box kicks, with Jamie Osborne on hand to gather and retain possession. A strong hour’s contribution, achieving his personal goal of making up for the All Blacks defeat.

1. ANDREW PORTER 8

A dominant opening shove as Ireland took the upper hand at the first scrum. Fortunate that Shuhei Takeuchi could not find a support runner, as Porter missed his man when the Japan prop broke free downfield in the 28th minute. Unstoppable from close range as he exploded onto a pass for Ireland's first try of the second half.

2. RONAN KELLEHER (OFF 57) 6

Put his body on the line in the early goings, eager to make amends from the All Blacks defeat. Brilliant defensive work rate as the hooker chopped down Japan's biggest threats. A 14th-minute line-out didn’t find its mark, but a Japan knock-on provided a let-off. An 18th-minute line-out was penalised for a dummy throw. Despite line-out struggles, Kelleher impressed with short, sharp carries and chop-tackle efforts.

3. THOMAS CLARKSON (OFF 57) 5

A solid start at the scrum before collapsing against Kenta Kobayashi as a 15th-minute set-piece required re-starting. Lost his bind at a 42nd-minute scrum to give away a penalty. Received medic attention early in the second half. Not the afternoon he would have hoped for, yet provided nice touches and carried hard.

4. JAMES RYAN (OFF 51) 6

Always on hand to dig in the hard yards when Ireland struggled to gain go-forward. Reunited in the engine room with Tadhg Beirne, though some set-piece struggles put a dampener on his day. Overall defensively sound, but not in the spotlight like Beirne.

5. TADHG BEIRNE 8

Much to the delight of Ireland fans, Beirne was not banned following the red card against the All Blacks. Provided a neat pass to Munster teammate Crowley to send him in for Ireland’s opening try. On a tough day at the line-out, Beirne kept Ireland’s aerial presence maintained. A gritty defensive display from a man sorely missed against the All Blacks.

6. RYAN BAIRD 6.5

Not the standout first-half performance he would have hoped for after last week’s brilliant effort against the All Blacks. Strong defensive presence at the breakdown and linked well with the backs. Found his groove in the second half.

7. NICK TIMONEY (OFF 51) 7.5

Bagged a solid breakaway try that caught the Aviva Stadium off guard. Supported Ryan Baird’s carry and exploded through a gap to score from the 22m at the half-hour mark. Strong in defence with a burning desire to hit quickly off the line.

8. CAELAN DORIS (C) 7

Back as captain following his return to the matchday squad. Immediate presence over the breakdown with an early turnover forced. A solid break from Doris laid the foundations for Jack Crowley’s opening try. Caught offside for a 40th-minute tackle, allowing Japan to wrap up the half with a kick at goal.

Replacements

16. GUS MCCARTHY (ON 57) 6

Bagged a well-taken try as Ireland flexed their muscles with a powerful rolling maul. Enjoyed a solid close-out as Japan capitulated up front late in the match.

17. PADDY MCCARTHY (ON 67) 7.5

Made his debut last week in Chicago, but had the least minutes from the bench this time. Like Gus, he was strong at the scrum, scoring with a quick pick-and-go as Ireland dominated the latter stages.

18. FINLAY BEALHAM (ON 57) 7

Made a noticeable impact with short carries digging up the turf and linking subtly with the backs. Japan struggled to counter his presence.

19. CIAN PRENDERGAST (ON 51) 7

Ireland’s bench landed the killing blow, with Prendergast making a solid contribution.

20. JACK CONAN (ON 51) 7

Breathless work rate on both sides of the ball, the workhorse emptied the tank in the closing stages.

21. CAOLIN BLADE (ON 61) 6

Could not gather a loose pass from Jacob Stockdale, but maintained the high tempo set by Casey as Ireland cantered to the finish.

22.⁠ ⁠SAM PRENDERGAST (ON 51) 6.5

Handed half an hour from the bench, as he steered Ireland home to a comfortable win. Given the reins for just under half an hour at the Aviva, Prendergast marched Ireland down-field with kicks finding their mark, as the forwards won the arm-wrestle up front.

23.⁠ ⁠JIMMY O'BRIEN (ON 65) 6

Editor’s Picks:

NAME THE MOST CAPPED MEN'S INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS:

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