Lam: Superior Irish can hit rest for Six

THE next time an Irish team takes to the field will be in Cardiff next February on the opening Six Nations weekend and, according to Pacific Islanders coach Pat Lam, there is likely to be only one winner.

“Ireland are far superior to Scotland and Wales,” said the Samoan after yesterday’s conclusion to their tour of the Celtic nations. “The systems and structures they use have certainly improved in the last 12 months. They have had consistency with their coaching staff as well and that shows.

“Physically they are bigger than they were not so long ago and that helps them be more dominant at the breakdown which they were today. They are definitely favourites for the Six Nations and they are in a good place for the World Cup.”