Ireland’s second-stringers upheld their unbeaten rugby record against Canada in a 52-21 win at Lansdowne Road.
Ireland swapped out the entire starting XV which upset New Zealand last weekend, and gave eight players debuts on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
There were also recalls for stand-in captain Peter O’Mahony and fellow flanker Sean O’Brien after long-term injuries. It added up to a disjointed performance that took an hour to subdue Canada.
Canada had just scored its third converted try to close to 28-21 when, from the kickoff, winger DTH van der Merwe spilled the catch in the tackle of opposite Keith Earls, Ireland regathered the ball, drove to the line, and big lock Ultan Dillane went over off a ruck.
Soon after, the Irish pack earned a pushover try for scrumhalf Kieran Marmion, and Paddy Jackson’s sixth conversion made it 42-21.
Ireland closed with a second try for fullback Tiernan O’Halloran from a break by Garry Ringrose, and the eighth and last try to replacement hooker James Tracy on debut.