England Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster congratulated Ireland A on a "deserved" Churchill Cup success after admitting his side were simply outclassed in Denver.

The Irish were irrepressible in the searing heat as they turned in a confident six-try performance to win 49-22.

Coach Declan Kidney's decision to rotate his squad paid off again as they recovered from a slow start to overpower the Saxons, with Lancaster admitting his side had been second best in most facets of the game.

"Our core skills were not good enough and if they're not you lose the physical battle and lose the game of rugby," he said.

A couple of Steven Myler penalties gave the Saxons an early 6-0 lead but first-half tries from Devon Toner and Isaac Boss helped Ireland A go into the break 20-12 ahead.

The Irish were easily the better side in the second half and were sent on their way to victory when Sean Cronin crossed only 24 seconds after the restart.

Further tries from Felix Jones, Johne Murphy and replacement John Muldoon capped a superb display, with England only able to reply with Ben Woods and Tom Varndell crossing the line.