The Irish props John Hayes and Marcus Horan also make a strong case, as does Adam Jones from Wales.

BBC: Jeremy Guscott column

The 28-year-old from Belfast proved a class apart as he topped the leaderboard ahead of Scotland's Richie Ramsay, France's Raphael Jacquelin and England's Marcus Higley -- while American John Daly would have been joint second as well but for two closing bogeys.

CNN: Maybin breaks course record for Italy lead

O'Leary's job will be made easier if his pack performs so the front row of John Hayes, Rory Best and Marcus Horan and need to deliver.

BBC: Jeremy Guscott column