Ireland hopefuls outclassed by sublime All Black second string

The opening half of rugby suggested that the gap in the tier of players just below the very top grade in the two countries might be closer to a chasm

IN FULL FLIGHT: New Zealand's XV's AJ Lam scores a try despite Jack Crowley of Ireland 'A'. Pic: INPHO/Bryan Keane

Ireland ‘A’ 19 All Blacks XV 47 

New Zealand coach Leon MacDonald chuckled when it was put to him on Thursday that this game should act as a sort of unofficial series decider after an Irish second-string had won one and lost another against the Maoris during the summer. He must have been positively beaming after this.