Irish Wolfhounds lack bite as England Saxons rule

Ireland’s preparations for the RBS 6 Nations endured a setback in Cork last night as the second string Wolfhounds suffered a Saxon beating in a disjointed A international.

National head coach Joe Schmidt can at least be satisfied that key players, including Sean O’Brien and props Jack McGrath and Mike Ross, gained valuable game time ahead of next Saturday’s championship opener in Italy but there will be plenty for the New Zealander to ponder as he considers how to whittle down his extended squad to 31 players over the weekend.