New self-belief for Crown assault

NO doubt about it, this was a great day for Eddie O’Sullivan and his Irish side.

But yesterday may say more about the perilous state of the Welsh game after Ruddockgate than the perceived healthy state of rugby in this country.

It may be a little churlish to be less than ecstatic after beating Wales by 26 points, but this was far from a great game, nor was it confirmation that Ireland have at last reached the stage when we can hope to take on rugby’s finest with reasonable hope of success.