CLARK Laidlaw was full of praise for London Irish after they thrashed Yorkshire Carnegie 41-17 at Madejski Stadium on Saturday, writes Richard Ashton.

Exiles dominated the top-of-the-table contest, running in five tries as they moved six points clear at the summit.

The visitors were in the game at the start of the second half – trailing 17-10 – before Irish put on the after-burners with three quick tries.

And Laidlaw admitted: “Apart from at Bedford we haven’t really come under pressure, so that’s a real encouragement.

“The guys had the solutions and that’s one of the most pleasing things – the fact we were able to absorb the pressure and then really exert ourselves on them.”

The side was skippered by two-time World Cup-winning All Black Ben Franks, and Laidlaw praised the prop’s contribution.

He said: “He was really good during the week, he took control with some of the tactical stuff. He gave us a massive amount around the field and he gives us a massive amount about how to prepare for a game of rugby.

“A lot of the younger players are beginning to realise how you get your preparation right each week. You can’t buy that stuff.

“He’s won Super Rugby titles, he’s won two World Cups. He’s an outstanding professional and one of the best I’ve ever worked with.

“Role models are what you look for in any walk of life and he’s a great role model for the younger guys.”

Laidlaw also paid tribute to 18-year-old wing Joe Cokanasiga – whose sublime inside ball set up Aseli Tikoirotuma for a try – but issued a word of caution, stating: “He’s hugely exciting. He’s got a bit to go, he’s 18 and it’s important that we don’t get ahead of ourselves with him.

“There are weaknesses in his game and we need to get his development right.”

And he concluded: “In the Championship, with one of the stronger squads, it’s allowing us to really build our game and our young individuals with an eye on the end of the year and the year after that.

“We’re in no rush to find the perfect game at this stage. I’m not sure we could have done that in the Premiership because we’d have been fighting hard to stay in it.”