A period of reflection is now required

“Four more years ......” Those immortal words whispered into New Zealand scrum-half Justin Marshall’s ear by his Wallaby counterpart George Gregan when Australia beat the All Blacks in the 2003 Rugby World Cup semi-final came flooding into my mind at the final whistle in Cardiff yesterday.

At least New Zealand were striving to make it to another decider that day back in Sydney. For Ireland the quest for a first semi-final remains agonsingly beyond our reach again.

Six quarter-final appearances. Six defeats. Four more years of waiting, hoping and dreaming.