What Are the Five Most Memorable Meetings Between Ireland and Japan?

As Ireland prepares to face Japan in their 13th Test match, the historical context is significant, with Ireland having won 12 out of their 13 encounters against the Brave Blossoms. This upcoming match, part of the Autumn Nations Series, promises to be both a competitive clash and an opportunity to reflect on their past meetings, particularly Japan's memorable victory in the 2019 World Cup.

Last updated: 02 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

This weekend, Ireland will host Japan at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, marking a crucial moment in the Autumn Nations Series. Scheduled for Saturday, 8 November 2023, with a kick-off at 12:40 GMT, the match will be a key fixture for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming international season. Ireland enters the match as the clear favourite based on historical performance, yet Japan's past success against them at the World Cup adds an intriguing twist to the encounter.

Key takeaways

Ireland has won 12 out of 13 meetings against Japan, with the last match being a significant victory.
Japan's sole win over Ireland occurred during the 2019 World Cup, marking a historic upset.
This match is part of the Autumn Nations Series, a key event in the international rugby calendar.

Timeline: how we got here

The rivalry between Ireland and Japan has evolved significantly over the years, with notable dates including:
- **1985:** Ireland's first meeting with Japan, where they won 48-13, though the match was not initially considered a full Test.
- **1991 and 1995:** Japan competed against Ireland in the World Cup pool stages, with Ireland winning both matches.
- **2019:** Japan's stunning victory over Ireland at the World Cup, which saw them top their group and earn a place in the knockout stages.
- **2021:** Ireland faced Japan again, where captain Johnny Sexton celebrated his 100th cap with a decisive victory.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As both teams prepare for their upcoming match, Ireland has focused on integrating new players into their squad, while Japan has been refining its strategies following previous successes and setbacks.

What was already established

Historically, Ireland has dominated their encounters with Japan, but the 2019 World Cup win by Japan remains a critical point of discussion, highlighting their potential to upset more established teams.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For rugby fans in the UK, the match presents an opportunity to engage with the sport and support their national team. The event is expected to draw significant viewership, impacting local businesses and hospitality sectors positively.

Businesses and jobs

Hosting international matches contributes to local economies, especially in areas surrounding the stadium. Jobs in hospitality, retail, and security are often bolstered by such events.

Policy and regulation

This match will occur under the current regulations concerning public gatherings and sporting events, allowing fans to attend in person while ensuring safety measures are in place.

Numbers that matter

12 - The number of wins Ireland has against Japan in their past 13 encounters.
1 - Japan's historic win over Ireland at the 2019 World Cup.
39 - The years since Ireland's first meeting with Japan in 1985.

Definitions and jargon buster

Test Match: An official international match played between two national teams.
Autumn Nations Series: An annual rugby union tournament where northern hemisphere teams compete against each other and southern hemisphere teams.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Following the match against Japan, Ireland will assess player performances and injuries. This analysis will inform team selections for future fixtures.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the Rugby World Cup approaches in 2024, both teams will look to build momentum and refine their strategies through international friendlies and tournaments.

Signals to watch

Player performances and injury updates will be crucial in shaping team dynamics.
Results from the Autumn Nations Series will impact team rankings and confidence levels going into the World Cup.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with the match by supporting your local team or viewing from home.
Stay updated with team news and player performances for future match insights.

Don’t

Miss out on the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of live rugby.
Neglect to consider the historical context of the match, which may enhance your understanding of its significance.

Checklist

Check the match schedule and set reminders.
Ensure you have access to commentary or live updates if not attending in person.
Familiarise yourself with player line-ups and any key injuries before the match.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Ireland is favoured to win based on historical performance, uncertainties remain regarding player fitness and form. Japan's potential for upsets should not be underestimated, particularly in a competitive environment like the Autumn Nations Series.

Bottom line

The upcoming match between Ireland and Japan represents not only a continuation of a storied rivalry but also a significant moment for both teams as they prepare for future challenges. Ireland seeks to cement its dominance, while Japan aims to build on its historic win and prove it can compete with the best. The outcome will have implications beyond this match, influencing both teams' preparations for the Rugby World Cup and their respective standings in the international rugby landscape.

FAQs

How many times have Ireland and Japan played against each other?

Ireland and Japan have met 13 times in Test matches, with Ireland winning 12 of those encounters.

What was the significance of Japan's win in 2019?

Japan's victory over Ireland in the 2019 World Cup is considered one of the biggest upsets in tournament history, highlighting their capability to challenge more established teams.

When is the next match between Ireland and Japan?

The next match will take place on Saturday, 8 November 2023, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.