Quinn Roux
Ireland continued where they left off against the USA with another good performance to put Japan away. It looks like Japan's giant killing days are behind them for the moment, they seem to have lost the spark that drove them on at the last world cup. Droopy blossoms! Watch them come back next week though.
Ireland were pretty clinical, taking tries at regular intervals, and playing a good style. Leavy and Conan were awesome, and McGrath and Jackson formed a sharp partnership. With all the subs on at the end, Japan got a few easy tries to give their scoreboard a bit of gloss. Quinn Roux is also starting to come into his own, he's great in the scrum, but also popping up all over the place, with good hands for a lock.
In Auckland, the Lions got another impressive win over the New Zealand Maoris in a pretty one sided contest. The A Lions side takes all the space away from the team they're playing - that stiffles their attacking game. Of course, the All Blacks are going to be at another level - but they're going to have to be! Murray and Sexton brought their class and experience to the half backs, while O'Mahony and O'Brien provide great balance in the loose trio. and it's another ex Leinsterman, BenT'eo who is really shining on this tour. And in the front row, Tadgh Furlong and Jack McGrath are solid as a rock in the scrum, and busy in the loose. On the field though, there's not four countries they play as one. i can't wait for the first test now!
Elsewhere, Scotland had a fantastic win over Australia, and Italy did well over Fiji. England showed their impressive depth with a clean sweep over Argentina.
