English pack: An irresistible force of eight

THERE is nothing worse than the empty feeling experienced waking up in the aftermath of a hammering.

I know, I’ve been there. The fact that it’s after a Grand Slam winning opportunity only serves to make it worse.

In the days preceding last Sunday’s game, everybody associated with the Ireland team would have visualised a moment when the referee blows the final whistle and England are beaten. In the end unfortunately, it was not to be. When the English players are as focused as they were last Sunday, they are a very difficult team to beat. Back-boned by a pack containing five test Lions, it was always going to be difficult. As a barometer for the future, it sets a standard that Ireland must aspire to.