Reasons to be fearful pile up

AT the final whistle on Saturday, the Samoan players, whom we know to be deeply religious, gathered in a huddle, sank to their knees and said a collective prayer of thanks for their Aviva Stadium performance.

However, with the All Blacks looming large on the horizon, it is the Irish players who are desperately in need of some divine inspiration at this stage.

It is difficult to put a finger on why Ireland seem devoid of confidence.