Dashing Trimble lets in chink of light

ON a night when no Irish player dared hold their head high walking away from the Yarrow Stadium, there were nonetheless a few in green who could have justifiably done so.

In any circumstances, Andrew Trimble’s shift out on the wing should have been deemed terrific. In the most testing of environments of an All Black onslaught, his performance was all the more impressive.

Understandably the Ulster winger was loath to engage in any self back-slapping, insisting that Saturday wasn’t a night for smiles. He was just content that Ireland’s defeat wasn’t as severe as he had feared for a time.

“I was happy enough to use my speed a few times, happy enough with my leg drive,” said Trimble. “When you’re staring down the barrel of 38-7 at half time it’s very depressing. It’s tough going out in the second half and you’re looking at that sort of scoreline thinking what’s this going to finish up?

“We looked at each other and said we have to dig in and try to get something out of this. By that stage you’re not playing for a win anymore – you’re playing for pride.

“It’s really tough whenever you’re beaten by that sort of scoreline but to come back and play reasonably well and score a few tries was slightly less embarrassing. That’s a small positive that we can take from the game.”

Positive may have been in short supply but there were a plethora of lessons dished out by an All Blacks side who ran in nine tries.

“That character we proved we had in the second half – that should be our base line,” said Trimble.

“Character doesn’t win you games. We have to learn. We have to get our defence right, making hits, making tackles, getting turnovers. There’s definitely a lot we’re going to have to learn for next week and the week after.”