Best determined to learn from past regrets in Japan

Rory Best is on the final stretch of a journey that began almost 14 years ago, but the events of the next few months will go a long way towards shaping how the Ireland captain will look back on his distinguished international career.

Despite all the trophies and the milestones accumulated over his 117 caps to date, the World Cup remains a sore spot, the one challenge that has inflicted more misery and soul-searching on Ireland teams than any other.