...Pat Lam...

See below for post-match reaction from Pacific Islanders coach Pat Lam to his side's 61-17 defeat to Ireland in their final tour match.

PAT LAM:

- ON THE EIGHT-TRY DEFEAT -

"We're obviously disappointed with the result. It was a rocky start again but the boys came back well and we got to within 16-12 at one stage and it could have been even better. We missed a few opportunities after that and the two tries we coughed up before half-time were hard to take.

"We turned ball over far too much in the second half and the Irish really showed why they are the second best side in the world at the moment. They showed us a lot about teamwork, systems and pressure."

- ON HOW IRELAND RATE -

"Ireland are far superior to Scotland and Wales (who we played recently). The systems and structures they use have certainly improved in the last twelve months. They have had consistency with their coaching staff as well and that shows.

"Physically they are bigger than they were not so long ago and that helps them be more dominant at the breakdown which they were today. They are definitely favourites for the Six Nations and they are in a good place for the World Cup."

- ON FUTURE TOURS -

"Preparation is the key. We were relying on guys showing up fit and there was huge pressure for players (from European clubs) at this time.

"In 2004, the guys got two preparation games against New South Wales and Queensland before the Tests and I feel they really need that time to prepare.

"We were down to 20 fit players this week as well. A flu virus hit us this week and we lost a few of the guys to that. We ran out of backs. If you want to play tier one teams you've got to prepare like tier one teams."