Looming All-Blacks keeps a lid on green giddiness

“New Zealand can rack up scores very quickly, in a short period of time."

Japan’s Yu Tamura and Ben Gunter try to halt the progress of Ireland’s Josh Van der Flier in Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series match at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: Inpho/Dan Sheridan

Nine tries and 60 points scored. Eighteen offloads thrown. Dominant in terms of both possession and territory. Forwards and backs interlinking in open play and beating Japan at their own game. Johnny Sexton smiling like a schoolkid in a sweet factory.

Cue giddiness.