The biblical scale of the devastation began to emerge from the crack of dawn: landslides, floods, minor earthquakes, mass evacuations and, worst of all, the ever-rising death toll.

It might not have been the route they envisaged but Ireland have reached their initial destination, although the question remains whether this is finally the time to venture into virgin territory.

Simon Lewis provides an on-the-whistle report of the main talking points from Ireland's win over Samoa.

Joe Schmidt chose his words carefully but he was clearly fuming about the fact that Ireland were playing rugby today while others got to take the weekend off.

Ireland booked their place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals with a comprehensive victory over Samoa.