It was the largest margin of defeat in an 18-hole match in the competition’s history.

The American pair were five over par for the first three holes as they crumbled to a 9&7 defeat by Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg, the largest margin of victory in any 18-hole match in the event’s history.

Europe captain Luke Donald had warned his side to be wary of the US players reacting like “a wounded animal” as they looked to overturn a record-equalling five-point deficit, but the only wounds on show were entirely self-inflicted.

Guardiola said: 'I would say every idea that you reduce a little bit the amount of games for the players would be nice. But there’s not going to be change.'

It was not clear, however, what Rahm did in particular to rile the American.

Åberg turned pro only three months ago and hasn’t even played in a major yet; this was, by a distance, the biggest event he has experienced.

The home side swept an opening session for the first time.

The 34-year-old Munster prop, at his second World Cup and playing under his third head coach, is not the first senior Ireland player to praise Andy Farrell

Drama and theatre go hand-in-hand. Viking claps and creative chants that organisers literally spend the week encouraging and promoting.

Friday equals the biggest day one lead in Ryder Cup history.

If fitting in on the pitch is the ultimate aim then working yourself into the grooves and the idiosyncrasies of a new group dynamic is an integral part of the same process

Can Bundee Aki can be the difference-maker should Ireland negotiate their way to the latter stages of rugby’s greatest show? That remains to be seen, but on current form, why not?

The scene is set for some tremendous action but to enjoy all of it will take planning and a detailed schedule.

All Blacks score 14 tries to send out warning to contenders

This meeting with Tonga will be his 50th time wearing his country’s armband and it comes five years after he became the 61st person, but the first black man, to be awarded the honour

Henshaw is expecting Scotland to come gunning for Ireland in Paris

Manchester United have announced Lisandro Martinez will be sidelined for an 'extended period' after aggravating the foot injury he suffered towards the end of last season

Five things to put to rights about the Rugby World Cup

Springbok out-half Handre Pollard won’t be expecting miracles of himself when he returns to the national side for the first time in over a year this Sunday

The hosts took all the points on offer in the morning session