Ireland full-back Jamie Osborne said that his side have to “be better defensively” against Japan than they were against New Zealand.
Osborne started in Ireland’s disappointing 26-13 loss against the All Blacks at Soldier Field last weekend.
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Andy Farrell’s side now face Japan at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (12:40 GMT) in the first of three home games this month and Osborne believes Eddie Jones’ side will be a “challenge” despite their 61-7 loss against South Africa last time out.
“They’re very dangerous, they have great feet especially in the wide channels and they like to move the ball to width, they play a bit deeper than we would,” Osborne explained.
“They will get the ball into the 15 and attack from there, so we have to be better defensively getting after them.”
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The versatile 23-year-old said he has been “enjoying” playing regularly at full-back for Leinster and Ireland in the absence of the injured Hugo Keenan.
He added that the squad are relishing a return to Dublin for a first home game since losing to France in the Six Nations in March.
“Anytime you lose a game you just want to get back on the pitch as soon as possible and try and right a few wrongs,” he continued.
“Everyone is looking forward to getting back out in front of a home crowd for the first time in a while.”
