Anyone watching Japan’s thrilling style of play at the Aviva Stadium last weekend couldn’t but be impressed, and for Mike Catt sitting in the opposition coaching box, he, too, admired the daring approach of the Brave Blossoms.

It is far too simplistic and, indeed, naive to expect Ireland to suddenly start adopting a similar mentality. If that was ever to happen, then a shift in culture would be needed from the top-down of Irish rugby.

However, that is not to say Ireland shouldn’t be looking to emulate certain parts of Japan’s philosophy, which is not just brilliant to watch, but also very effective.

There were signs of what Ireland are looking to do in attack under Catt, most notably in the lead-up to Stuart McCloskey’s stunning try, yet there is still a nagging sense that two years on from the World Cup, the overall game-plan is still evolving from what it was with Joe Schmidt at the helm.

Japan may have fallen short last weekend, but their total commitment to a clearly defined style has them well set up.

“You can learn from any team who play a game like that,” Catt said. 

“Everybody in world rugby knows they are a top-quality, attacking side. Again, they showed it on the weekend. They are very hard to stop when they get going.

“Their broken-field stuff is pretty impressive and they have some big guys there that can create defences some massive problems.

“I love the way they’re coached. I love the way they’re nice and flat, and they’re composed in their attack. Something we obviously take away from them is that composure and skill set, for them to move the ball.”

That ability to shift the point of contact comes from a need to avoid bigger, more powerful players‚ something which Ireland should also be aiming to do, especially considering their struggles in that department in recent years.

“Everybody wants to see offloads and stuff, but it’s about making the right decision and doing the right thing at the right time,” Catt insisted.

“Ultimately, I’ve always said, rugby is about decision-making. If you get yourself halfway through a tackle and (you have) the ability (to offload) and are able to do it, then we never say no.

“Faz (Farrell) has never put a blanket on anybody saying, ‘Don’t do this, don’t do that’. If it’s the right thing to do and it comes off, keep doing it.”

Joey Carbery could be the man to alter Ireland’s attacking shape going forward, with Catt excited to finally work with the fit-again Munster out-half. 

“He likes attacking the line and, again, he has a good skill set. He’s very calm in his demeanour,” Catt added.

“There are obviously things he needs to work on, but for the way we want to play, he’s a guy who can build himself into a game and (is) going to attack the line, as well as our 9s by playing quickly.

“It’ll take a bit of time – we don’t have a load of time – but we expect him to pick it up very, very quickly.”