Lansdowne left in blaze of glory

Paddy Wallace ensured Lansdowne Road was given a victorious send-off with a magnificent Ireland display and a 61-17 win over the Pacific Islanders that suggests the search for Ronan O'Gara's understudy is over.

O'Gara has emerged as the key figure in Ireland's charge up the world rankings and the lack of an alternative following the international retirement of David Humphreys has been a major concern.

But Ulsterman Wallace indicated there is another option after producing a 26-point haul with his near-flawless kicking matched by his composure in attack and an impressive performance capped by a fully deserved first-half try.

It was the 27-year-old's first international start and he comfortably outshone fellow rookies Jamie Heaslip, Luke Fitzgerald and Stephen Ferris, who were making their Test debuts.

Fitzgerald, who was playing schools rugby six months ago, became the youngest player to represent Ireland since Alistair McKibbin in 1977 but the 19-year-old winger made little impression.

Simon Easterby ran in a brace of tries and Wallace, Denis Hickie, Malcolm O'Kelly, Shane Horgan, Rory Best and Paul O'Connell also crossed as Ireland overcame an impressive start from the Pacific Islanders to run riot.