As published over at Balls.ie: http://www.balls.ie/rugby/balls-ie-rugby-nerds-ponder-what-can-we-learn-from-thrashing-fiji/#sthash.IxikQTpH.dpbs

The good
Craig Gilroy

Three tries is one thing, but the acceleration and change of direction while at full speed was another. Like all others he was relatively untested by an understrength and undisciplined Fijian team but still managed to show that he has something that no other Irish player can offer right now.

Fergus McFadden

McFadden has the edge over Gilroy in terms of possible selection against Argentina as he already has 20 caps to his name. Wearing a head strapping he gave an all-action performance including two tries, generous decision by the TMO notwithstanding. More rounded a player than Trimble and more defensively solid than Earls I’d have no qualms in selecting him at wing or centre against Los Pumas.

Iain Henderson

The rangy Ulsterman did what he has been doing this season – causing general chaos in the opposition ranks. WIth the current injuries to Paul O’Connell, the weakening force that is Donncha O’Callaghan and the lack of development of the Devin Toner’s of this world one must wonder why Declan Kidney didn’t give him a run at lock for the second forty.

Honourable Mentions: Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall.

The not so good

Selection of First IV

Quite why Donncha O’Callaghan, Conor Murray and Mike Ross were chosen to start this game is still beyond me. To on top of that play them for more than the first 40 minutes was folly, perhaps folly in the extreme in the case of Ross who should not be subjected to any more injury risk than absolutely necessary.

Use of substitutes

See above. Paul Marshall should have been coming to start the second half, along with Michael Bent. Simon Zebo should have been given longer at full back, considering his lack of game time at the position at senior level, and an opportunity could have been given to Iain Henderson in the second row.