Donal Lenihan: Ireland's attacking intent a great alternative to the bang and bash of the Lions

Andy Farrell’s Ireland were the ones who delivered the all-court handling and offloading game, completely overwhelming the Japanese at their own game.

Ireland's Johnny Sexton, left, reacts with Andrew Conway after scoring a try. Picture: AP Photo/Peter Morrison

Mon, 08 Nov, 2021 - 09:00

Donal Lenihan

A rugby player, coach and manager during a glittering career with Munster, Ireland and the Lions and now a definitive voice in Irish rugby analysis and commentary.

Fitting in a way that the Japanese should be the first international side to grace the biggest attendance, close to 40,000, the Aviva Stadium has hosted since March 2020. When it comes to delivering the finer skills of the game and capitalising on the possibilities open to teams prepared to play a high tempo, ball-in-hand game, they are a joy to watch.

At least that was the expectation in advance of kick-off but, by the time Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli had called full time on a thoroughly entertaining, if somewhat lopsided encounter, Andy Farrell’s Ireland were the ones who delivered the all-court handling and offloading game, completely overwhelming the Japanese at their own game.