39-14 win against the BaBas. If you had told me after the world cup that we’d have won with that scoreline I’d have been delighted.

Nine months or so on and it’s hard to know what to get out of the game. The Barbarians were awful, just completely without any cohesion and made more handling errors than I’ve seen in months.

So the fact that we won is great, obviously, but against that opposition what positives and negatives can we get out of the game?

From IrishRugby.ie

Speaking after the win over the Baa Baas, Ireland’s interim head coach Michael Bradley said: “It was a good result and a good performance. We are very happy with the way the lads played.

“We set out our stall in terms of defence and a couple of related objectives, and we had worked on our phase play as well.

“I thought all 22 players did well. There were some very good players in that Barbarians side.

“The point was made at half-time about going out and finishing the job, which is what we did,” added the Connacht supremo.

Yes, agreed we worked on the phase play very well. The handling was delicious, especially by Fitzgerald. Carney was wonderful and, like Fitzgerald, looks like he’s just going to get better with age. Other newcomer Tommy Bowe got 2 tries and nearly a 3rd, and was running wih such energy as was a pleasure to watch.

Shane Horgan gor a couple of tries too and played very well. Was nice to see him act as captain on the day, and he lead well. There were a couple of times he tried to kick and dribble the ball forward and over-cooked it but here’s hoping he was just using the ocassion to try out a new skill in the making.

Jamie Heaslip also gor two tries. Heaslip is a powerhouse of a player. Strong, fast and resolute, I could watch hime all day.

The newcomers to the Ireland jersey played so-so, lots of errors but also some fantastic off-the-ball running. it was also good to see the prop and second row having a bit of a run too.

But I have to say, how much did we miss Munster (we were celebrating some cup they won )? A lot.

We have no front row without them. None. And our second row is no great shakes either. Our scrum was abysmal even against this side who wouldn’t have given a monkey’s about the match, or so it seemed.

All in all, a mixed bag.

Good: Fitzgerald, Bowe and Carney growing into their positions.

Bad: The scrum, oh my lord that scrum