Six Nations talking points: Predictable Ireland stuck in a loop

Ireland were excellent in some departments here and nowhere near good enough in others

Ireland's Robbie Henshaw, Ross Byrne, James Lowe and Garry Ringrose dejected after the game. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Is this an Ireland team that is going places or standing still?

There was a point late in the third quarter when Ireland looked like they might disappear under a blue wave and yet Andy Farrell’s side started well and came close to nicking a win despite the raft of front-line players missing through injury and suspension.