Ireland’s second-string saw off Canada 52-21 but most likely failed to change boss Joe Schmidt’s selection plan for the New Zealand rematch next weekend.
The home team racked up eight tries at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium – but laboured for nine first-half minutes with the scores locked at 14-14.
Tiernan O’Halloran claimed a brace, with Keith Earls, Luke Marshall, Ultan Dillane, Kieran Marmion and James Tracy all crossing, and a penalty try completing a comfortable but sloppy victory.
Best tweet
Well done @IrishRugby .. The young cubs held their own tonight .. Nice to see what the future holds 💚 #TeamOfUs #IRLvCAN
— Laura Rachael 🎀🎀 (@LauraRGallagher) November 12, 2016
Ireland changed their entire XV from the line-up that made history with a first-ever victory over New Zealand in Chicago last weekend.
With the bench emptied, that meant eight men won their first Test caps.
Garry Ringrose, Billy Holland, Jack O’Donoghue, John Ryan, James Tracy, Luke McGrath, Niyi Adeolokun and Dan Leavy will all never forget this night.
.@Young_niyisy makes his @IrishRugby debut at the Aviva Stadium with 14 mins to go in the #IRLvCAN game. #Irishrugby lead 42-21 pic.twitter.com/dO9VLpqMZk
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) November 12, 2016
Best performance
Ultan Dillane: The powerhouse Connacht lock rampaged all over the Aviva Stadium turf, terrorising the Canadian defence.
High praise must be dished out also to prop Finlay Bealham, who showed up well.
Best moment
Luke "Superman" Marshall! #IREvCAN pic.twitter.com/MmCMyvu5ZW
— Sportsfile (@sportsfile) November 12, 2016
Keith Earls’ double in-out step in the first half bamboozled the Canada defence and created the space for Luke Marshall’s try – he also bagged one of his own.
Best hosts
A big thanks to @IrishRugby for everything this week, what an atmosphere it was playing inside a sold out @AVIVAStadium! #IREvCAN pic.twitter.com/hLaZwwhz6D
— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) November 12, 2016
The Canadians may have lost, but they definitely seemed grateful.
Best fan
Who’s next?
Ireland v New Zealand – Dublin, Saturday, November 19.
Romania v Canada, Bucharest, Saturday, November 19.
