Ireland vs Japan Predictions - Brave Blossoms to challenge Ireland in Dublin

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 05 Nov 2025

Ralph Staniforth 05 Nov 2025

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Ireland looks for a strong home performance.
Japan aims to bounce back, keeping past match margins in sight.
Key players' fitness and strategic shifts are pivotal.

Expired

Japan in for another tough afternoon (Getty Images)

Ireland vs Japan Predictions

Ireland will be looking for a statement performance at home against Japan; however, the Brave Blossoms will want to bounce back after a heavy loss last weekend. The handicap is set at 39.5 and Japan have not lost by more than 28 points in their three defeats to the Irish.

Ireland vs Japan Predictions
Head to Head
Ireland Form
Ireland Injuries & Team News
Japan Form
Japan Injuries & Team News

Ireland have won 4 of their last 5 matches.
Ireland have won 3 of their 4 matches against Japan.
Japan have lost their last 2 matches.
Japan have not lost by more than 28 points to Ireland in 4 matches.

Head to Head

Ireland lead 3-1 in four matches against Japan. They last met in July 2021, a match Ireland won 39-31, but it was a weakened Ireland side. Japan beat Ireland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup during the group stage 19-12.

Ireland Form

There is some major concern around Irish rugby as their star players from the last decade have either reached or are starting to reach retirement. During those golden years, not much depth has been built among the younger generation, so unless something changes soon, the Irish may be in for a rough few years.

That said, Ireland still has a strong side, albeit at the wrong end of their careers. Last weekend, Ireland looked good against New Zealand in the USA…for the first 60 minutes. They led throughout the first half and into the second, but once the All Blacks got a foothold in the game, they cruised to a 26-13 victory.

Throughout the game Ireland looked the more settled team as New Zealand made one error after another. However, they failed to break the All Blacks defence regularly enough to take advantage of the territory they had gained.

Much of that performance can and has been put down to rustiness. That is a fair point as Ireland haven’t really played together since the Six Nations in the first quarter of the year. This weekend should be straightforward, but another stuttering performance will set alarm bells ringing.

Ireland Injuries & Team News

Andy Farrell will announce his side on Thursday. Changes are expected but they are not expected to be a completely different side. Players need to get some match fitness ahead of big matches against Australia and South Africa.

Japan Form

Japan reached the final of the Pacific Nations Cup in September this year, losing 33-27 to Fiji in the final. They defeated Tonga, USA and Canada comfortably to reach that point.

However, those games were against their peers in terms of rankings. They performed well against Australia a fortnight ago at home, losing 19-15, but that game was played in dire conditions which made it tough for either side to score points.

Last week, the Brave Blossoms were blown away by South Africa. The Springboks took control in the first few minutes, and Japan just never really looked like they could get back into it.

Most teams in the world struggle to deal with the Springbok power game and it was no different to Japan. The lack of any front-foot-ball killed their fast-paced game. However, while Ireland are also a physical side, Japan will fancy their chances of matching them and creating bit more of a contest.

Japan Injuries & Team News

Eddie Jones’ side has had a very long couple of weeks. I do expect him to make a few changes to freshen the side up.

Verdict

Ireland v Japan

Japan are tipped to lose by less than 39.5 points.

Japan +39.5

Handicap

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