It may have taken time to make an impact, but this World Cup has finally captured the interest and imagination of the Japanese public — thanks in no small part to the exploits of their national team.

Some things don't change with the All Blacks. Though they can play rugby with a terrifying beauty, there is a robotic consistency to the way they put opponents to the sword.

Not everyone had faith that Leinster were capable of overcoming the challenge of Toulouse in Dublin and yet the European champions rose to the challenge on Easter Sunday to dispel all doubts and tee up a Heineken Champions Cup final to savour against Saracens.

Toulouse face a ‘mountainous’ challenge against the premier club side in Europe when they face Leinster in the semi-final of the Champions Cup, according to double World Cup-winning All Black Jerome Kaino.

All things — good and bad — come to an end. So it was, on the first Saturday in April, six days after they had defeated Racing 92 in the Champions Cup quarter-final, by a single point and with 14 players, Toulouse’s record-breaking unbeaten domestic run finally hit the rocks, against Toulon.

Toulouse joint-coach Regis Sonnes said that the manner in which they came from behind to oust Clermont Auvergne 47-44 in a 10-try thriller at Le Stadium sets them up perfectly for a crack at Leinster next weekend.

So, no Jonathan Sexton to set the tone and dictate the tune.

Leinster fans - for one match at least - may not agree, but one of the great joys of European rugby this season has been the resurgence of Toulouse as a major force.

Jack Conan has set the bar high for this weekend’s crunch clash with Toulouse, labelling it a tougher assignment than any they faced last season when overcoming all-comers on the way to a fourth European title.

Leinster have been keen to get something across this week.

For the second week in a row, the quality of rugby on offer across the Heineken Champions Cup pool fixtures has been overshadowed by decisions made by referees and their interpretation of tackling laws, writes Donal Lenihan

Sport retains the capacity to cut even the best of players and teams down to size, writes Donal Lenihan

Leinster fly out for Toulouse this morning fuelled by a stunning declaration of intent against Wasps eight days ago and, you would imagine, in the hope that they can jettison some of the hyperbole that has enveloped them along the way.

Leo Cullen has warned that Leinster face a stiff challenge from a familiar foe when they travel to fellow European blue bloods Toulouse for the second round of the Heineken Champions Cup next weekend.

France have named inexperienced half-back duo Anthony Belleau and Antoine Dupont in the starting XV to face New Zealand tomorrow.

South Africa scrum coach Matt Proudfoot continued where his boss left off by heaping praise on Ireland yesterday.

The Lions have drawn with New Zealand in a dramatic deciding test.

The British and Irish Lions must win Saturday's third Test in Auckland to claim a first series victory over world champions New Zealand since 1971.

After a hectic five weeks on the road and eight searching examinations to this point, the 2017 Lions tour reached the point of no return in the aptly named windy Wellington last Saturday night.

Donal Lenihan looks at three key areas the Lions must address.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has warned “the job is far from done” ahead of Saturday’s second Test against the Lions.

All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino has insisted he had no intention going out to injure Conor Murray during last Saturday's first Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Here's your morning news bulletin.

All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has reacted furiously to Warren Gatland's “desperate” and “predictable” suggestion his players have deliberately tried to injure Lions scrum-half Conor Murray.

New Zealand 30

All Blacks 30, Lions 15: Simon Lewis talks through the moments that mattered as the All Blacks see off the Lions, writes Simon Lewis.

Kieran Read has recovered from injury and will captain New Zealand in Saturday's first Test against the British and Irish Lions.

New Zealand were punished for showing “a lack of respect” to Ireland when they lost in Chicago and could be in for another shock in Saturday’s rematch at the Aviva Stadium, according to former Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald.

Joe Schmidt has admitted Ireland's maiden victory over New Zealand weighs heavily with "daunting" expectation.

After an incredible test at Soldier Field during which Ireland reached into physical and mental reserves to achieve one of the most famous of all their rugby victories, the reaction here in New Zealand is — shock horror — joy.

7th minute: Power play

It was not just the pre-game tribute to Anthony Foley that inspired Ireland to victory over the All Blacks.

Rookies Garry Ringrose and Joey Carbery are prepared for what boss Joe Schmidt branded "baptism of fire" Test debuts as Ireland meet New Zealand at Chicago's Soldier Field.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen believes his all-conquering side cannot afford to let their standards slip at Soldier Field tomorrow if the world champions are to secure a 19th successive victory with a win over Ireland.