rDAVE Bradbury and Liam Bretherton emerged with reputations intact from the wreckage of Ireland's record 56-16 defeat by France in the baking heat of Albi on Tuesday.

r The Leigh Centurions pair, survivors from last year's World Cup campaign, both played the entire game for the injury-depleted Irish.

r Bretherton, operating at scrum-half alongside Gavin Clinch, and Bradbury helped set up Ireland's first try for Mark Forster after just 84 seconds. Bradbury, in the second row, went in for Ireland's third try just before the end, supporting Bretherton's break.

r Watching Great Britain coach David Waite said: "There were one or two good performances from the Irish boys in difficult circumstances. Bretherton, Bradbury, McDermott and McMenemy all stood out."