Ireland prop Andrew Porter says his side are taking inspiration from their 60-5 win against Japan in 2021 as they look to kick-start their autumn campaign against the same opposition on Saturday.
Andy Farrell’s side are looking for a reaction at the Aviva Stadium after their disappointing 26-13 defeat against New Zealand in Chicago last weekend.
Porter explained that Ireland were looking back at that big win over Japan four years ago that set them up for the success that has since followed under Farrell.
“It was a bit of springboard and was a step in the right direction,” Porter said of the win in which Johnny Sexton contributed 16 points on his 100th Ireland cap.
“We were looking back to it and how good that cohesion was. It felt like everything clicked that day and, in that series, and that’s what we’re trying to do now after game one, we want to get that feeling back.”
Porter said that having reviewed the game against the All Blacks there were “snippets” of what Ireland can do but it ultimately “wasn’t the account we wanted to give of ourselves”.
He hopes Ireland can respond against a Japan side that were thrashed 61-7 by South Africa last weekend.
“They’re a really well organised unit. Against South Africa, it didn’t go the way they wanted but they’re still a great attacking threat and have a good set piece, so we won’t be taking them lightly or will be complacent about it at all,” he added.
“The worst thing you can do is underestimate them and we won’t be doing that. “