Andy Farrell’s Ireland were the ones who delivered the all-court handling and offloading game, completely overwhelming the Japanese at their own game.

In the past, especially when it came to the Six Nations Championship, everything was geared towards the next game, every selection driven by short term thinking. In that we are noticeably different from many of the top nations who continually tweak their teams, even in the cut and thrust of the Rugby Championship, with a view towards testing their less experienced players and investing in the future.

Munster’s staid kicking and attacking approach left you wondering just what Johann van Graan’s side are trying to achieve

What will prove the signature moment from this tour? What will 2021 be remembered for? Sadly, it may well be Rassie Erasmus’s 62-minute video rant that ultimately proved so influential. How sad is that?

That mental toughness is set to be challenged once again, this time with issues more familiar in nature, writes Donal Lenihan

Even here in Cape Town, which has always been the most cosmopolitan of South Africa’s cities, a turf war is raging between different taxi groups. Police say at least seven people were dead after a recent shooting spree in what’s suspected to be the latest flare-up in the deadly taxi turf war.

Warren Gatland has a lot to ponder between now and next weekend

The Lions have limited themselves to matching the key strengths the Springboks bring to the fight before looking to pull away through greater fitness and a more impactful bench

All three Lions changes announced by Warren Gatland can be traced directly to issues that surfaced last weekend

You had to wonder what the atmosphere would have been like with 55,000 fans, roaring on their respective sides