Ireland need to get off to storming start in Yokohama

With the GAA season finally reaching its conclusion and Dublin’s successful drive for five completed in such an impressive fashion over Kerry on Sunday, nothing short of Ireland lifting the Webb Ellis Trophy itself can deny Jim Gavin’s men the team of the year accolade when the award season rolls around in December.

With the capital in celebratory mode, the way has been cleared for the Rugby World Cup to take centre stage over the next six weeks.