Three Ireland players who flopped against the All Blacks - and who should replace them

Andy Farrell’s side will be determined to sharpen their defence and rediscover their attacking rhythm against a Japanese team known for speed, precision, and ambition.

With changes expected in the lineup and players like Garry Ringrose looking to respond after a challenging performance, this clash offers Ireland the perfect opportunity to reset their campaign and rebuild momentum in front of a home crowd.

Garry Ringrose struggled defensively in Ireland’s match against New Zealand. While his trademark aggressive defending has benefited Ireland in the past, it backfired this time—he missed seven tackles, two of which directly led to tries. Analysts noted he looked rusty after limited game time, though his powerful hit on Beauden Barrett showed his capability. Overall, it was a difficult performance, with suggestions that Bundee Aki’s inclusion would strengthen the midfield.

RTE 5/10: "Ringrose’s high-risk defensive game has been huge for Ireland on several occasions, but the risks didn’t play off today. Had seven missed tackles in total, two of which led to New Zealand tries. His incredible hit on Beauden Barrett in the final quarter shows what he’s capable of, and he’ll be eager to prove himself later this month."

Irish Examiner 5.5/10: "One of those British and Irish Lions playing here with limited game time, Ringrose had just 40 minutes of rugby this season prior to Chicago, and it took him a long time to get going. Had a purple patch in the third quarter but missed some big tackles."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "A rough day at the office to say the least. Beaten by Leicester Fainga’anuku’s fend for Ardie Savea’s try and exposed on several other occasions. Did land one bone-shaking hit on Barrett but otherwise endured a torrid evening."

Replacement : Bundee Aki is needed in this team. He add so much.

Sheehan endured a mixed afternoon as Ireland fell to New Zealand 26-13. His usually reliable set-piece work was off, with five lineouts going astray, and composure was lacking at key moments. While his ball-carrying offered glimpses of his trademark dynamism, Ireland will need a sharper version of Sheehan in the coming fixtures.

Irish Examiner 5.5/10: "Handed the armband again, Sheehan was busy in defence early and made a great run down the left during Ireland’s first proper attack, but he was one link in a lineout chain that was much weaker than Ireland needed against this opposition."

RUCK 4/10: "Among Ireland’s forwards, Sheehan endured a mixed afternoon. Five lineouts went astray for the hosts in Chicago, and his usually reliable set-piece work looked a touch off the mark. Still, his carrying in open play offered glimpses of his usual dynamism. A step up will be expected as he looks to rediscover his best form for the remainder of the Autumn Series."

Rugby Pass 5/10: "The opening overthrow set an uneasy tone that lingered throughout. The lineout became a lottery, and while he made metres with ball in hand, it’s impossible to overlook the chaos in that department. His carrying was as dynamic as ever, but composure deserted him at key moments."

Replacement: Probably keeps his place but needs to improve

Beirne’s day ended disastrously early following a controversial red card for a high tackle on Beauden Barrett. With Ireland playing over 20 minutes down a man, the second row’s absence was a major blow, leaving the team without one of its most influential forwards and effectively derailing any hopes of repeating past heroics.

Rugby Pass 2/10: "Seemed to think he was a Chicago Bears defensive lineman with his bizarre shoulder check on Beauden Barrett after two minutes was reckless and entirely unnecessary. Once the TMO upgraded yellow to red, Ireland’s hopes of repeating 2016’s heroics took a major dent."

Irish Examiner: "Sensationally good on his first seasonal turn for Munster against Leinster two weeks ago, any hopes of the Eadestown man doing the same here were ended by an astonishingly bad red card three minutes in after his coming-to with Beauden Barrett. A huge loss."

RUCK 1/10: "A disappointing outing for the Irish second row, whose day ended early after a controversial red card for a collision with New Zealand fly-half Beauden Barrett. Dismissed in the opening stages, Ireland were left without one of their most influential forwards, forced to play 20 minutes down a man."

Irish Mirror: "Third minute yellow card for upright tackle, no wrap, upgraded to 20-minute red within six minutes of the original decision. Replaced by Ian Henderson following the 20 minutes being up."

Replacement: Iain Henderson if he is banned