And although they may indeed have benefitted from what US CEO Nigel Melville described as 'some dodgy refereeing decisions' , Ireland were fully deserving of this victory even if the final scoreline did flatter.

After an unimpressive first half the Irish led by just 12-6 and on 50 minutes were three points to the good after Mike Hercus landed a penalty before Best's first try, a dubious effort, eased Irish nerves.

Johnny Sexton landed a subsequent penalty but the US remained in touch until those late tries from Murphy, McCrea (looked like his scoring pass was forward) and Hurley but a nice sheen on a performance that will need to improve radically for the clash with England.