Tadhg Beirne still has nightmares about World Cup defeat to All Blacks

In the end, the width of Jordie Barrett’s hand separated Ireland from a first ever semi-final after a late siege by the Six Nations champions.

STUFF OF NIGHTMARES: Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne dejected after the loss to the All Blacks. Pic: Billy Stickland/Inpho

The self-help industry is full of advice on how to handle disappointments and setbacks. Coping mechanisms can be cemented into place, triggers avoided and mental strength can be baked into the cake regardless of how bad the moment tastes.

But life isn’t so simple.