Andy Farrell thrilled that rusty Ireland stuck to their task

Ireland's 39-31 victory over Japan at Aviva Stadium was a helter-skelter affair for almost 70 minutes

3 July 2021; Ireland head coach Andy Farrell before the International Rugby Friendly match between Ireland and Japan at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Andy Farrell knew this Ireland performance was not going to be perfect but it made his team’s victory over Japan on Saturday all the more satisfying.

Ireland had succumbed to a shock pool defeat to the Brave Blossoms on their home turf at the 2019 World Cup and their 39-31 victory at Aviva Stadium was a helter-skelter affair for almost 70 minutes as the two sides traded blow for blow in a pulsating Test match in front of 3,000 supporters, the first time spectators had seen international rugby since the 2020 Six Nations.