Ireland 49-7 Georgia: Joe Schmidt happy as Irish come good

Joe Schmidt said he was not surprised by Ireland's slow start against Georgia in Dublin - but was more than happy with a strong second half showing.

The much-changed Irish won 49-7 at the Aviva Stadium after crossing six times following the interval.

"It is always a bit of a banana skin when it's Georgia and you have made 13 changes," Schmidt said.

"Maybe we were a bit too conservative but we knew that if we maintained possession the chances would come."

Schmidt admitted a number of players had given him plenty to think about before the final autumn test against Australia on Saturday.

"I see Dave Foley got man of the match and he had a super game," added Schmidt.

"I thought the line-out operated well and there were a number of guys who worked very hard, like Felix Jones, who showed up all over the place."

Munster lock Foley, who had a superb debut, said: "There is massive confidence in the squad.

"The provinces are going well and Joe is trying to build for the World Cup and trying to get some depth in the squad.

"I think by the looks of things today he has a bit of depth there and lads are hungry to play."