Best to captain Irish in Canada

Ulster captain Rory Best is eager to slip into the boots of Brian O'Driscoll against Canada at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver on Saturday.

"I am obviously delighted and incredibly proud to be leading the side on Saturday, especially with some of the up and coming players in Irish Rugby," he said.

"It is a big challenge as Canada will certainly be a physically imposing side and will want to try and test us in all areas of the park, especially up front. We have to be able to meet that challenge and put in a performance.

"We have had a short time together, but I think there is a good blend in the team with players like Peter (Stringer) and Denis (Leamy) along with Mick O’Driscoll and Bob Casey adding experience to some of the younger players which will be important."