Despite all those stars jetting east to the Land of the Rising Sun, the absentee which generated the most debate was the one left at home.

Ireland’s preparations for Saturday’s Test against South Africa have been dealt another serious blow after Paul O’Connell was ruled out of the Guinness Series opener due to a back injury.

IF THIS was supposed to be a step up in class, then the British & Irish Lions coped with it admirably. They met fire with fire, kept their try-line intact for the first time on tour and strode majestically forward towards next week’s first Test at the same venue.