How they rated
LIAM WILLIAMS
Tried his best to launch some trademark counter-attacks but didn’t get much change out of the Japan defence. Gathered a few testing grubber kicks with class but was a peripheral figure.
JOSH ADAMS
Left Siosaia Fifita grasping at thin air to score a well-taken try early in the match. Involvements in attack were limited after that but produced a big hit in the second half to get the crowd going
ROBBIE HENSHAW
Intercepted a pass when Japan looked dangerous and cut a lovely angle for his try. Punched some good holes and combined well with a familiar centre partner in Bundee Aki.
BUNDEE AKI
Ran a great line to put the Lions on the front foot ahead of the Adams try. Was very strong defensively and won a textbook turnover at a breakdown early in the second half. Enhanced his Test credentials.
DUHAN VAN DER MERWE
Shrugged off an early defensive lapse that afforded Kotaro Matushima room to put in a good performance. Carried powerfully throughout and showed good awareness to score a smart try. Heavily involved throughout.
CONOR MURRAY
Got isolated during the Lions’ first attack in the Japan 22, which resulted in a turnover and the chance went begging. Charged down after Adams’ try and had to be bailed out by Biggar. Passed well but will want to be more polished on tour.
RORY SUTHERLAND
Locked down his side of the scrum and played his part in stabilising the Lions’ set piece, providing the platform for those behind to go to work.
STAR MAN: DAN BIGGAR
Almost flawless from the Welsh fly-half, who moved the Lions around the field superbly well throughout. Showed a brilliant range of passing, particularly to send Tadhg Beirne over for a try. Kicked superbly and marshalled his troops well. Worthy man of the match.
KEN OWENS
A good outing for Owens, who took over as captain when Alun Wyn Jones was forced off injured. The lineout functioned well and the hooker was central to that. In typical fashion, he carried relentlessly throughout.
TADHG FURLONG
Scrummaged very well and caused Japan loose-head Keita Inagaki all manner of problems. Strong in the carry and made his presence felt in defence with an eye-catching hit on Amanaki Mafi.
IAIN HENDERSON
Showed good hands in the loose, linking play nicely. Operated well at the lineout and looked after things there when skipper Alun Wyn Jones went off.
COURTNEY LAWES
Was industrious after coming off the bench early doors for injured skipper Alun Wyn Jones. Put in a solid performance, producing some good collisions in defence.
TADHG BEIRNE
Was largely quiet in the first half half, going about his business. But grew into the game well in the second half, running a lovely line off Biggar for his score.
TAULUPE FALETAU
An early replacement for Justin Tipuric and had to operate in the largely unfamiliar position of openside flanker. Was quiet by his standards.
JACK CONAN
Looked strong defensively in the first half, holding up attackers and winning turnovers. Was a willing runner throughout and proved a powerful carrier.