DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland labored to put away Japan by a flattering 41-10 at sun-kissed Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Coach Andy Farrell wanted a convincing show at home after losing to New Zealand 26-13 in Chicago and Japan looked to be there for the plucking after being smashed by South Africa 61-7 last weekend.

But despite perfect conditions Ireland struggled until the last quarter for rhythm, with passes awry and the set-pieces shaky again. The arrival off the bench of the Prendergast brothers, Cian and Sam, and Jack Conan, boosted Ireland’s energy against a flagging Japan and three tries in the last 14 minutes gave the scoreline an unwarranted glow.

Ireland won by six tries to one with Australia coming next weekend. But the more pertinent numbers were 19 handling errors by Ireland and 17

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