Jansen's Debut Try Seals Ireland's Nations Championship Win

Sean Jansen scored a try on his international debut, helping a reshuffled Ireland overcome Japan in the Nations Championship. The victory, secured in New South Wales, marks Ireland's second bonus-point win of the tournament. Jansen, a New Zealand-born number eight, crossed the try line 10 minutes into the second half, adding to earlier scores from Nick Timoney, Tom O'Toole, and Robbie Henshaw. Japan's full-back Takuro Matsunaga kept the Brave Blossoms within reach with a converted try and two penalties by halftime.

Japan's hopes of a surprise win were rekindled when replacement prop Hayate Era scored a try with 20 minutes remaining, following Jansen's score. This reduced the deficit and offered a chance to mark head coach Eddie Jones' return from suspension with a rare victory over Ireland. However, Ireland extended their lead through a penalty from replacement fly-half Harry Byrne. In the final minute, replacement hooker Tom Stewart sealed Ireland's sixth consecutive win.