McBryde’s Aviva regrets

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde admits Wales’ crushing RBS Six Nations defeat against Ireland 10 days ago was “pretty painful” to watch.

The 26-3 loss at the Aviva Stadium meant Ireland inflicted the heaviest reversal on the champions in the competition since 2006, and it now means they face a win-or-bust showdown with France on Friday night.

It was in the forward battle that Ireland enjoyed overwhelming dominance, and, as McBryde’s area of expertise, he felt it more than most. “It was pretty painful, and I’m not looking to blame anyone other than myself. I thought those days and those types of performances were behind me. It has been well documented that you can play in certain games and you know you are not quite on the money. You don’t need anyone else to tell you it has been a bad day at the office. It will have been the first time for some of these players to experience that. Everybody is hurting, but the fortunate thing is we have an opportunity to put it right.

“England would have felt something similar after the final game in last year’s Six Nations (Wales beat them 30-3), and they had to wait quite a while before the next game, so we are fortunate we have the opportunity to put things right against France. Ireland were well drilled and well organised, and they certainly exposed us. Collectively, we have to do a lot better. That is where I am accountable.”

Wales boss Warren Gatland is due to announce his starting line-up today, with suggestions mounting about a positional switch for George North.