As England prevail, Rugby Australia and the British and Irish Lions face seminal decisions with the series looming large.
Can England arrest their late woes, Wales emerge from the darkness and Italy continue rising high?
England were able to end their five-match losing run with a resounding 59-14 win over an inexperienced Japan on Sunday, but it was a result that in no way glossed over the month that had passed.
Andy Farrell saw his men put in one of their worst performances under his tenure and that has made a win over Los Pumas pivotal
Newcastle Falcons boss Steve Diamond has spoken of his relief at his side getting their first win in 26 matches as they look to back up last weekend's Gallagher Premiership boilover result with another win.
Now that the niceties are over, the press conferences with next-to-no headlines as a result of the public grandstanding, it's time to get down to business.
Suliasi Vunivalu and Hunter Paisami may be key men for the Wallabies as they shine under Less Kiss' supervision.
Joe Schmidt is not the kind of coach to take a 'hands off' approach to his work.