Joe Schmidt backed a cool and calm Jack Carty to run the Ireland show in Johnny Sexton’s absence as part of the head coach’s plan to ruin Japan’s World Cup party at Stadium Ecopa tomorrow (8.15am Irish time).

Uwe Helu gave a wicked little grin as he lit the fuse. He knew exactly what he was doing.

Cian Healy has no desire to take a breather next weekend, when Ireland face Japan in Shizuoka, but the veteran prop would at least understand Joe Schmidt's way of thinking were he asked to sit on the bench, or in the stands.