Andy Farrell: Ireland didn't lack composure, they lacked grunt

France's Theo Attissogbe attempts to tackle Ireland's Stuart McCloskey. Pic: Ben Brady/Inpho

Whether you saw Ireland’s demolition at Stade de France as a sign of terminal decline or merely the latest blip during a difficult period of transition for the national team, Andy Farrell’s side must face Italy in seven days either way and the head coach needs a positive response from his players.

Thursday’s Guinness Six Nations 36-14 defeat to France was the latest setback for an Ireland squad that has fallen off the pace set by world rugby’s elite through a series of worrying results.