Japan

[backdoc]

What a performance. How a defence should play at the top level. As effective in the 80th minute as in the first.

A QF awaits them surely

[Rossm]

That result is a great fillip for the hosts.

[Marlow Nick]

Thoroughly deserved. Fantastic performance

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Last time round I predicted they'd cause an upset, but I wasnt expecting another this tournament.

Looks like Scotland is going home.

[mike909]

Exciting game to watch and shows what attitude and commitment can do if you have he basics of a decent team. And Japan have more than the basics of a good team! Ireland played into their hands by seeming to think the game was won at two tries up and failing to adapt to both the reffing which was "free flowing" and the rush defence.

I hope that's not everything for Japan. I still have Scotland as favourites to win their game vs Japan and it may well come down to BPs and the like. Looking forwards to the Scotland game a lot!

I suppose now, Joseph will be next England coach now?

[BG]

For those that want to see it later

Spoiler

For those who haven't seen the game its an example of high precision handling skills coupled with determined, commited ruck and tackling.. its what rugby should be about so I'll take my hat off to Japan.

It wasn't a last minute try like they achieved against SA in the last WC. They pretty much had a strangle hold on the game after 15 mins. Ireland looked devoid of ideas of how to break Japan.

Tier 1 teams sometimes fall foul of their own importance and Japan proved that. World Rugby needs to give the tier 2 nations more games against the tier 1 nations

[Raggs]

Eddie built them up with a fitting style, Joseph has added on the polish. Now they need to keep it going.

[Nopace]

Another high shot by Kearney, straight to the jaw. They even admitted it over on touchboards.ie

Well played Japan.