Ireland ran out comfortable 52-21 winners against Canada at the Aviva Stadium earlier today as they prepare to welcome New Zealand to town next weekend.
Ireland attacked with intent from the start and were rewarded with a Keith Earls score early in the corner with Paddy Jackson converting from the sideline.
All the players appeared keen to catch Joe Schmidt's eye as he prepares for the rematch with New Zealand next weekend.
Luke Marshall rounded off a good move to score in the other corner to give Ireland a comfortable 14-0 lead after Jackson again converted from the touchline.
Marshall went from hero to villain almost straight away. Ireland attempted to run the ball from their own 22 and spread it wide. The Ulsterman threw a careless pass which was intercepted by D.T.H. van der Merwe who ran in to open the Canadian account. McRorie converted to bring the visitors to within seven points.
The score seemed to invigorate Canada who gave as good as they got for the remainder of the half.
A line-out maul led to their second try with Taylor Paris touching down as his pack powered over the Irish line. McRorie converted again to level the scores at 14-14.
Ireland appeared stung by conceding again but kept to the plan and attacked from all over the field. Finlay Bealham made a break in midfield before offloading to Tiernan O'Halloran who cut a perfect line to score with the Canadian defence nowhere to be seen. Jackson converted again to give Ireland a 21-14 lead at the break.
Ireland upped the intensity after the break particularly at scrum time. They demolished the Canadian effort in the 46th minute and were awarded a penalty try. Jackson converted to make it 28-14.
Canada weren't prepared to roll over and came back at their hosts. Matt Evens got in where Earls had scored earlier despite the best efforts of Tiernan O'Halloran. McRorie added the extras from the touchline and Canada had cut Ireland's lead to 28-21.
Ireland beat @RugbyCanada 52-21 in the first game of the Guinness Series.
Thanks for all your support!! #TeamOfUs #shouldertoshoulder pic.twitter.com/TSExwCJMlb— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 12, 2016
Ireland came roaring back with the brilliant Ultan Dillane powering over from close range with Jackson again successful with the conversion.
Ireland’s Ultan Dillane scores a try ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Another Irish scrum made short work of their opponents and Keiran Marmion touched down after the home team pushed their way over the line. Jackson kicked the conversion to give Ireland a 42-21 lead.
Ireland kept the pressure on their visitors and Tiernan O'Halloran dotted down in the corner to increase the lead to 47-21 with 77 minutes on the clock.
Ireland kept attacking despite the clock winding down and in the last play of the game James Tracy scored on his debut. Carbery was unable to add the extras.
Ireland will now prepare for the visit of world champions New Zealand who scored 10 tries against Italy earlier today.
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