After their fairytale debut in the 2015 edition of the Rugby World Cup, Japan’s dreams of another favoured scalp were thwarted by a late Scottish charge on Wednesday.

New captain Sam Cane led the All Blacks' B team on a nine-try blitz to demolish  Namibia 58-14 in the World Cup on Thursday. 

I could talk about the highly impressive opening ceremony – the first I’ve seen live – or the shambolic performances of the nervous match officials in the England game, but let’s concentrate on the rugby and Japan.

Graham Henry looks down at the grass of Eden Park. So many matches, so many memories. One wells up above the others. 23 October, 2011, the World Cup final, New Zealand 8, France 7.

In October 1972 the Uruguayan All Christian rugby team was flying to Chile to play a friendly match. They crashed in the middle of the Andes but survived in a brutal environment for a human being.

He is the "good Kiwi bloke" who is the "inspirational and uncompromising" captain of the world's greatest rugby team.

Rolling into the second week, the All Black’s visit to Ellis Park was the headline grabber, and the game did not disappoint as rugby fans the world-over were treated to yet another All Black-Springbok classic.