WE REALLY HAD TO RHYS TO THEIR CHALLENGE

SKIPPER Rhys Ruddock said Ireland’s toughest tour test was for last yesterday.

Joe Schmidt’s men bagged nine tries against the US Eagles two weeks ago, and seven last week. Yesterday, they scored just five – with no score at all coming between the 31st and 78th minute.

Jamie Joseph’s men put it up to Ireland but Ruddock (left) was happy with how his boys saw out the game.

“Everyone found it unbelievably tough, both in terms of the physicality and speed the Japanese brought, and the way they challenged us in the tackle, with strength and tempo,” he said.

“It’s certainly our biggest test of the tour and we had to work very hard to get the win.

“It was relentless, not only for one or two phases, but even deep into our possession they put pressure on us.

“It was very tough and you can see that in terms of how physically drained everyone is at the end of the game.”