‘Sometimes, Ireland don’t believe they’re as tough as they are’

Ireland were sensational, but New Zealand are special. Steve Hansen summed it up pretty accurately as his players produced a smash-and-grab performance to complete the season with a 100% record from 14 challenges.

It wasn’t any consolation, but it will be in time. It says something for this Ireland team — actually, it says a lot — that they pushed the Kiwis further than anyone; than South Africa or Australia.

Hansen took the trouble to emphasise that this was not a case of his men under-performing, or of taking Ireland for granted. It was insightful, though, to hear him suggest that maybe the Irish players didn’t always possess the self-belief needed against the world’s best.