A new-look Ireland were made to work for a bonus-point victory against Japan in Newcastle, north of Sydney, on Saturday.
After conceding an early try, Ireland fought back to lead 19-13 at the break before going on to win 36-20.
After their thrilling 33-31 victory over Australia in Sydney last week, where they rallied from behind four times, Ireland tightened up their defence and dominated possession.
But they were still guilty of some silly errors and their set-piece struggled to fire.
They went to the break with a six-point lead after a scrappy first-half and stayed focused to complete the job with coach Andy Farrell handing four players – Sean Jansen, Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Bryn Ward – their debut.
It ensured a sixth consecutive win dating back to February, having also beaten Scotland, Wales, England and Italy.
That record will be put to the test next week when they travel to Auckland and an Eden Park cauldron for a blockbuster showdown with New Zealand.
The All Blacks are also two-from-two at the inaugural 12-team tournament, backing up their 34-32 victory over France with a 47-17 romp against Italy.
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Japan host Six Nations champions France next, with Les Blues on a high after crushing a hapless Australia 42-26 in Brisbane with a rampant second-half display.
Farrell made nine changes to his starting side, with an eye on the All Blacks clash, and Tadhg Beirne named as captain for the first time.
Japan, who were brimming with confidence after beating Italy at home a week ago, made just one change with Taira Main replacing Kippei Ishida on the left wing.
Main was in the thick of the action immediately when Ireland hooker Ronan Kelleher put too much on a lineout throw after three minutes and he gleefully collected and dashed 60m to the line.
Japan races out to an early lead through Taira Main
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Fullback Takuro Matsunaga added the extras, only for Ireland to quickly hit back when flanker Nick Timoney spotted a gap and dived under the posts for a converted try after some good ruck work.
A soft penalty allowed Matsunaga to restore Japan’s lead on 17 minutes in front of 11,021 fans at McDonald Jones Stadium, a host venue for the 2027 World Cup.
But after their nervy start, Ireland settled and began patiently building phases with the pressure rewarded when prop Tom O’Toole crashed over on a penalty advantage for a 12-10 lead.
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Another unnecessary penalty, for offside, gifted Matsunaga three more points.
Again, Ireland kept their composure and with the maul working efficiently Craig Casey fired the ball out the back to Robbie Henshaw who had enough power to burrow over for another converted try and a 19-13 lead.
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The second period started well for Ireland when No 8 Jansen barged over, with the move stemming from a lineout.
But Japan were no pushovers and came storming back with a converted try for replacement hooker Hayate Era closing the gap to six points with 22 minutes left.
Replacement flyhalf Harry Byrne nailed a crucial penalty 10 minutes from time with a converted try to replacement hooker Tom Stewart at the death sealing the deal.
JAPAN – Tries: Taira Main, Hayate Era. Conversions: Takuro Matsunaga (2). Penalties: Matsunaga (2).
IRELAND – Tries: Nick Timoney, Tom O’Toole, Robbie Henshaw, Sean Jansen, Tom Stewart. Conversions: Ciaran Frawley (3), Harry Byrne. Penalty: Byrne.
– AFP
Photo: Brendan Moran/Getty Images
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A new-look Ireland were made to work for a bonus-point victory against Japan in Newcastle, north of Sydney, on Saturday.
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