Short term pain will offer Rugby World Cup gain

With a few days to reflect on events at the Millennium Stadium, I am even stronger in the belief that Ireland’s defeat in Cardiff will serve more purpose in the long run.

A record-breaking run of 11 games coupled with the strong likelihood of a Grand Slam-capturing 12th in Edinburgh would have sent the country into a tailspin on the back of that magnificent achievement.

With only two Grand Slams in our locker to show for 141 years of toil and effort, that significant milestone should never be scoffed at and would have elevated this current squad into the realm of greatness.