Can we turn to Irish Under 20s for some solace?

As Ireland bid a hasty retreat from New Zealand for the second time in eight months, they do so with a heavy heart and a feeling of what might have been.

Last September’s magnificent victory over Australia at the World Cup sparked realistic expectations of a first World Cup semi-final and that against familiar foes France. We dared to dream until Warren Gatland and his super confident young Welsh side did a number on us in Wellington.

The heart-breaking defeat to New Zealand in the second Test with the last kick of the game left this Irish squad crestfallen for a second time this season with the realisation that the elusive first win over the mighty All Blacks was within their grasp only to be pilfered in those dramatic closing sequences.