![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/2.45645609.jpg\")
Joe Schmidt has challenged Ireland to reassert their class by hitting back immediately after suffering one of the all-time World Cup shock defeats by Japan.<\/p>\nJoe Schmidt has challenged Ireland to reassert their class by hitting back immediately after suffering one of the all-time World Cup shock defeats by Japan.<\/p>\n
Hosts Japan set alight the first World Cup in Asia by pummeling Ireland into 19-12 submission in Shizuoka, leaving visiting head coach Schmidt accepting a quick-fire rebuilding job was on the cards.<\/p>\n
Ireland can still reach the quarter-finals but may wind up facing back-to-back world champions New Zealand rather than South Africa, should they finish second in Pool A.<\/p>\n
Ireland have also lost Jack Conan for the rest of the World Cup, the Leinster flanker laid low by a foot fracture suffered in training.<\/p>\n
Back-row forward Jordi Murphy could be called up in Conan\u2019s stead after being withdrawn at the last minute from Ulster\u2019s Pro14 opener against Ospreys on Friday night.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe strength of the team will be how they respond and rebound from this,\u201d said Schmidt.<\/p>\n
\u201cA six-day turnaround was a little bit tough and we\u2019ve got a five-day turnaround now into the Russian game in Kobe on Thursday. So that will be another challenge for us.<\/p>\n
\u201cJack Conan, unfortunately Jack Conan has a fracture in his foot. And he will return home to Ireland tomorrow.<\/p>\n
\u201cRob Kearney has got a decent shiner, but he\u2019s feeling okay now.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe failed his HIA (head injury assessment) as far a I know. If he doesn\u2019t pass HIA two and three he will be a confirmed concussion and he would miss the Russia match.\u201d<\/p>\n
Japan shocked the world for the second time in four years, adding this superlative victory over the globe\u2019s number-two ranked side to their 34-32 win over South Africa at the 2015 World Cup.<\/p>\n
Wing Kenki Fukuoka sealed Japan\u2019s famous win, racing into the left corner and flooring a stunned Ireland side.<\/p>\n
Jack Carty had a hand in tries for Garry Ringrose and Rob Kearney as Ireland edged into a 12-3 lead, but that control evaporated.<\/p>\n
Japan wound up dominating both the loose and tight exchanges, even taking control in the scrum.<\/p>\n
Ireland boss Schmidt in midweek branded referee Angus Gardner\u2019s performance \u201cincredibly frustrating\u201d the last time the Australian had officiated his side, in the 25-7 loss to Wales in March that sealed the 2019 Grand Slam for Warren Gatland\u2019s men.<\/p>\n
And in the wake of this loss, Schmidt was again left to lament a referee with whom Ireland cannot seem to get to grips.<\/p>\n
Asked about the officiating in Shizuoka, Schmidt said: \u201cWe\u2019ll go back and have a look at it. I certainly understand the frustrations of some of our players.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not too dissimilar from the last time we had this referee. We\u2019ll make our comments to the referee body rather than make any public comment.\u201d<\/p>\n