Ireland captain Rory Best says they are under no illusions that there are tougher tests ahead for his side following their 24-point opening Rugby World Cup game with a win against Scotland.
They got a bonus-point win and sit on top of Pool A after dispatching Scotland by 27-3 in Yokohama earlier this morning. With head coach Joe Schmidt saying the bonus-point may prove to be decisive nearing the end of the Pool stages.
#SpiritOfRugby thank you @Scotlandteam and go well for the rest of the tournament https://t.co/NsRi9lCrlq
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 22, 2019
"We started really well," said the Ireland captain. "We were positive, we wanted to attack. Obviously, with the conditions in the second half, it became a bit more of an arm-wrestle. We know how good a team they are and we're delighted with that win."
Three Irish forwards got tries in the first half, and the Ireland skipper says he was really happy with how they linked up with the backs, "it was a really good combination" said Best. They came from Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan and Rory Best himself, to give Ireland a 19-3 lead at half-time.
CJ Stander is Ireland's man of the match🙌
We'll be discussing his performance and much, much more in our live Rugby World Cup Show in 10 minutes | #IrevSco #RWC2019@VodafoneIreland #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/YNVBPH6oTB
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) September 22, 2019
"A couple of the tight tries came from great play by Garry Ringrose, Bundee, then Jordan Larmour, Andrew Conway - they're getting us into positions, the way Johnny and Murray, in the first half, kicked. It leaves it easier as a pack if you're on the front foot.
"But we're under no illusions - that was a good start for us but we know - and the management will show us tomorrow - how much we need to improve going forward."
Next up for Joe Schmidt's side is against the hosts Japan on Saturday, September 28th at a quarter-past-eight in the morning. It takes place in the Shizuoka Stadium in the city of Fukuroi.
