Ireland v Japan

A polite 32-16 introduction at Lansdowne Road; few imagined what this fixture would one day become.

The two sides met for the first time on 9 October 1991 at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, during Pool 3 of the second Rugby World Cup. Ireland, co-hosts of the tournament, ran out comfortable 32-16 winners. Japan were still finding their feet in World Cup rugby, and the gulf in experience showed. It was a polite introduction to a fixture that would, decades later, produce one of the sport's greatest upsets.

Ireland won handsomely; for Japan, the scoreline was never really the point.

Japan toured Ireland in the mid-1990s as part of their ongoing effort to test themselves against established nations. Ireland won convincingly, reinforcing the pattern of dominance that would characterise the fixture for its first two decades. For Japan, these tours were about accumulating experience rather than chasing results; the learning curve was steep but necessary.

Forty-four points on the old ground, in one of Lansdowne Road's final acts before the wrecking ball arrived.

Ireland defeated Japan 44-12 at Lansdowne Road during the 2005 autumn internationals. It was a professional, clinical performance from the hosts, though Japan showed flashes of the attacking ambition that would later become their trademark. The old ground was nearing the end of its life; within a few years it would be demolished and rebuilt as the Aviva Stadium.

Two points separated the greatest upset rugby has ever seen; South Africa never saw it coming.

Japan's 34-32 victory over South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in Brighton was the result that changed everything. Widely regarded as the greatest upset in rugby history, it signalled that Japan were no longer content to make up the numbers. Under Eddie Jones, the Brave Blossoms had developed a style built on fitness, speed, and relentless tempo. Every future opponent, Ireland included, would need to take them seriously.

Seven tries and fifty points, yet Japan's three-try reply hinted at a contest far closer than the scoreboard admitted.

The November 2017 meeting at the Aviva Stadium saw Ireland score seven tries in a 50-22 win. Joe Schmidt's side were in imperious form, building towards what would become a Grand Slam season in 2018. Japan, though outgunned, scored three tries of their own and showed the attacking verve that was becoming their hallmark. The scoreline flattered Ireland somewhat; Japan were far more competitive than the final margin suggested.

The world's top-ranked side, undone in Shizuoka by a Japan team that defended like fury and finished like champions.

On 28 September 2019, Japan beat Ireland 19-12 at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Pool A of the Rugby World Cup. Ireland, ranked number one in the world at the time, were outplayed by a Japan side that combined ferocious defence with clinical finishing. Kenki Fukuoka's try sealed the result, and the host nation's fans erupted. It was the defining moment of the tournament and arguably the most significant result in the history of this fixture.

Nine tries and fifty-five unanswered points; Farrell's Ireland made the pecking order perfectly clear.

The November 2021 autumn international at the Aviva Stadium was a statement from Andy Farrell's Ireland. Nine tries and a 60-5 scoreline left no doubt about the pecking order on the day. Japan, missing several key players and still rebuilding after the highs of their home World Cup, were overwhelmed. It was a reminder that, for all their progress, consistency against the very best remained Japan's biggest challenge.

The ghost of Shizuoka ensures Japan arrive at the Aviva with something to prove.

Japan return to the Aviva Stadium for the 2025 autumn internationals, a fixture that now carries genuine intrigue. The memory of Shizuoka still lingers, and Japan under Eddie Jones (back for a second stint as head coach) will arrive with ambitions that extend well beyond damage limitation. For Ireland, it is a chance to test squad depth against a side whose best is genuinely world class.