Andy Farrell: Ireland boss says ‘zero excuses’ in remaining autumn Tests after All Blacks loss

Whether or not Farrell makes wholesale changes for Japan’s visit to Aviva Stadium on Saturday (12:40 GMT) remains to be seen.

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

Crowley endured a mixed afternoon against New Zealand, booting over eight points and showing some nice imagination in attack before conceding a crucial penalty on 60 minutes that helped turn the game in the All Blacks’ favour.

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

“Accuracy and a few bits [could be improved], but good decision-making. The crossfield kick into touch, I said to him at half-time, ‘good decision’.

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

Farrell also praised Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey, who was forced off in the second half with a groin injury having impressed in his first appearance against the All Blacks.

“He went very well. He was a handful, wasn’t he? It was a shame that he came off with a bit of a groin soreness.

“How that develops, we’ll wait and see but he had a strong game.”