sport news Ireland 39-31 Japan: Andy Farrell's side shrug off absence of Lions stars
Ireland 39-31 Japan: Andy Farrell's side shrug off absence of Lions stars to fight back and secure victory over Brave Blossoms at Aviva Stadium Ireland put out team under full strength but won entertaining clash with Japan Seven of their contingent are currently away with the British & Irish Lions Japan led on several occasions but could not hold on and lost 39-31
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Ireland shrugged off the absence of several senior personnel to edge out Japan 39-31 in a fluctuating summer Test as supporters returned to the Aviva Stadium for the first time in 17 months.
With seven of their contingent on British and Irish Lions duty and captain Johnny Sexton, plus Keith Earls and Cian Healy, rested, there was a fresh look to the hosts in their first meeting against Japan since the 2019 World Cup.
On that occasion, Japan pulled
