Andy Farrell: 'The best part of our performance today was our defence'

World number one New Zealand are next on the schedule for Farrell’s men but the head coach could not have asked for a better momentum builder ahead of that sold-out clash

Ireland's Peter O'Mahony competes in a lineout with James Moore of Japan. Picutre: INPHO/Gary Carr

Andy Farrell watched Ireland turn on the style in attack as Japan were hammered 60-5 in Dublin on Saturday but was more impressed by his team's defensive work.

An Andrew Conway hat-trick of tries spearheaded Ireland’s eight-try to one demolition of the Brave Blossoms at Aviva Stadium to hit the ground running in this month’s Autumn Nation Series of internationals on home soil.