Ireland 50 – 7 Canada

The first match where you saw a team lay down an intention. Ireland played with ambition and skill and a great deal of pleasure.

Canada, particularly in the early stage of the second half, played with grit and determination. But all those words only add up to one result: Ireland scoring their fourth try for a bonus point before half-time, and another three after the break.

The ominous omen for later in the tournament was Jonathan Sexton having a fine game at first five-eighth, before being hooked early in the second half. The full range of skills – to be sure, to be sure – but more than that, a natural joy that speaks of real comfort and confidence. The single most impressive player so far.