The day Ireland really felt Sean O’Brien’s absence

With Wales demolishing France on Friday night, a win for Ireland in Twickenham on Saturday was likely to yield even more in terms of silverware than the Triple Crown that represented the tangible reward for victory.

Yet, from the moment Ireland took to the field, things just didn’t look right. The confidence, fluidity and clarity that defined the comprehensive win over the Welsh two weeks earlier appeared somewhat diluted. Apart from an inspired period immediately after the break, Ireland found it difficult to make inroads against a very well-drilled English side in what was an absorbing Six Nations contest from start to finish.

While the players will find it difficult to focus on the positives in the immediate aftermath of this defeat, the one-score loss keeps Ireland firmly in the hunt for this years championship, now sure go down to the final day of action.