Donal Lenihan: After a defeat like that, you hate to see the media officer come your way

The failure to extract any return from opportunities within striking distance of the opposition line is galling, more so when they stem from a repeated failure to execute from attacking lineouts

Ireland's James Ryan attempts to seal possession in a line out against Joe Launchbury of England. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

As a player, just about the last person you want to see approaching you in the dressing room in the aftermath of a defeat is the media officer. He needs a few players to front up to the press, to answer their questions without throwing anyone under the bus.

It can be difficult. You are hurting, physically and mentally, and have had little or no time to process what’s just after happening on the field. In situations like this, a fourth defeat to England on the bounce, the press officer wants an experienced head, someone who has been there before.