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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Katie Sands

'Ireland looked devoid of ideas' while Japan offer international masterclass: The pundits' reaction to Rugby World Cup shock

Japan managed to cause a huge Rugby World Cup upset on Saturday by beating Ireland 19-12, leaving the rugby world in awe.

Much like their surprise win over the Springboks four years ago in Brighton, Japan have now caused a huge upset in Pool A.

Pundits, ex-players and current stars of the game have all reacted to Japan's win, while doubts have been cast over Ireland's chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

Ex-Wales and Lions skipper Sam Warburton, appearing on ITV as part of their punditry team, said: "You could have Ireland, Scotland and Japan all win three and lose one, in which case bonus point wins and bonus point losses are going to become vital.

The bonus points are going to come really key.

"It's out of Ireland's control now, it's in Japan's control which is what you want as a team.

"Ireland have got to hope that Scotland probably beat Japan, it's just not the situation you want to be in from an Irish perspective."

He joked: "I'll be honest, what do I know I said I think Ireland [will win] by 25! I was completely wrong.

"But Japan were absolutely brilliant, defence was just relentless.

"It was probably one of the best international displays of ball retention that I've seen in years, Ireland just couldn't get the ball off them in any way. Full credit to Japan, they were brilliant."

The Japan team celebrate victory (Getty Images)
Ireland player Joey Carbery looks on as the Japan team celebrate victory (Getty Images)

Former Ireland international Brian O'Driscoll, also appearing on ITV as part of their Rugby World Cup coverage, said: "I knew it would be a tough game playing against the host nation.

"Huge credit to Japan, they played terrific rugby.

"Ireland looked very blunt, they looked devoid of ideas, they looked devoid of energy.

Japan show their appreciation (PA)
Yu Tamura of Japan celebrates (Getty Images)

"I wonder did the conditions and the humidity take effect, because it just wasn't the Ireland that we've come to expect over the course of the last couple of years.

"So very disappointing. It's not the end of the tournament, they can still top the pool, but they have some amount of work on if they're even thinking about getting beyond the quarter-final at this stage."

Here's how the win went down on social media 

Japan will move on to face Samoa in Toyota on Saturday, with a brittle Scotland doubtless now very nervous about taking on the tournament hosts in Yokohama on Sunday, October 13.

Ireland meanwhile will take on Russia in Kobe on Thursday.

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