It's never just one thing... Johnny Sexton teases out Chicago's flat feeling

Sexton suggested the recent retirements of five Test centurions, including himself, Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray, Keith Earls and Cian Healy has had an impact on the Ireland squad. 

What Johnny Sexton saw in Ireland training over the last fortnight was not reflected in the performance against the All Blacks. Pic: ©INPHO/Henry Simpson

While the 26-13 scoreline from Soldier Field was disturbing as Ireland folded to New Zealand on a day to forget in Chicago, they were not the only numbers to give pause for thought at the outset of this month-long Test window.

Zero line breaks against the All Blacks was just as concerning for Andy Farrell and his assistants as they returned to the training field at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Tuesday ahead of a three-game homestand at Aviva Stadium against Japan, Australia and world champions South Africa.