Best led the Irish to an impressive victory in the USA

Northampton Saints flanker Neil Best hailed his Ireland A team after leading them to a 49-22 victory over England Saxons in the Churchill Cup final.

Best was able to put one over on his club team-mate Stephen Myler, who kicked four penalties for the Saxons.

"It was a massive challenge (because) physically they are a lot bigger and stronger than us," Best said.

"They are a very good team and I'm not going to say we smashed them in every facet - but we had the hunger."

The Irish ran in six tries to England's two in Denver, and the captain admitted: "I'll be having a few sarsaparillas tonight."

Best was joined in the Ireland squad by Northampton centre James Downey who started on the replacements bench, while new Saints signings Shane Geraghty and Phil Dowson both joined Myler on duty for the Saxons.

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