Lauren Delany 6

Positionally strong and was called on to make a couple of crucial interventions; didn’t get much chance to attack .

 

Aoife Doyle 6
Made a try-saving tackle at a crucial stage and looked dangerous on the rare occasions Ireland got her into the game.

 

Eimear Considine 7
Looks comfortable at centre and some of Ireland’s best attacking moments came when the Clare native got on the ball.

 

Sene Naoupu 6
Some shining moments with ball in hand from the experienced centre but Ireland couldn’t get her involved enough.

 

Laura Sheehan 6
Made a crucial tackle in the closing stages and looked good when given the ball, but that happened too infrequently.

Enya Breen 5
The latest player to get a go at out-half with Stacey Flood pulled for the Sevens. Did some things well but needs a run in the position.

 

Kathryn Dane 6
Some very clever tactical kicking and passing was largely good, but left frustrated by Japan’s excellent breakdown work.

 

Laura Feely 6
Part of a strong scrum effort and showed up in the loose before being replaced by Katie O’Dwyer.

 

Neve Jones 6
Had some big moments in contact but the lineout struggled and that cost Ireland momentum.

 

Linda Djougang 7
Not quite as prominent as she has been in previous games, but put in an 80-minute shift and was powerful in contact.

 

Aoife McDermott 6
Will be frustrated with the lineout but showed good physicality in open play on her return to the team.

Sam Monaghan 7
Powerful contribution in attack and defence, won’t be happy with the lineout but she made an impact.

 

Ciara Griffin 9

Tore up the script and went out on her own terms, showing up with two big tries after half-time but also setting the physical tone. She’ll be missed.

 

Edel McMahon 7
Made some thumping tackles and slowed down Japan’s ball, but it was the visitors who won the breakdown.

 

Hannah O’Connor 3
Was playing well before she came thundering through on Misaki Suzuki with a high tackle and being sent off.

 

Bench impact 7
Adam Griggs was conservative in bringing on replacements, with four staying on the bench, but he won’t regret introducing Cliodhna Moloney whose late turnover secured the win.

— RÚAIDHRÍ O’CONNOR