Andy Farrell: Ireland coach says ‘no excuses’ for remaining autumn tests after All Blacks lose

It remains to be seen whether Farrell will make wholesale changes during Japan’s visit to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (12:40 GMT).

One of the Englishman’s top requests for the All Blacks match was the selection of Jack Crowley at fly-half, having lost his place to Sam Prendergast 12 months ago.

Crawley had a brilliant afternoon against New Zealand, scoring more than eight points and showing some great imagination in attack before conceding a crucial 60th-minute penalty that helped turn the game in the All Blacks’ favour.

“I thought he controlled the game well,” Farrell said.

“Precision and a few parts [could be improved]But make a good decision. I told him at half-time, “Good decision.”

“It was just execution. I think he played the game well tactically. He’ll be better for it.”

Farrell also praised Ulster center Stuart McCluskey, who was forced off in the second half with a groin injury after impressing in his debut against the All Blacks.

“He went very well. It was a little bit, wasn’t it? It was unfortunate that he came out with a little bit of pain in the groin.”

“How things develop, we will wait and see, but he played a strong match.”