Sinead Kissane

I thought he was really good off the bench.

I think you made a good point there, Rod, and we made it in Paris last week as well in terms of the bigger picture.

Because if you're to look at the trends at the moment in terms of Ireland, it's on a downward trend and no one can argue with that.

That's disingenuous.

That is disingenuous.

Despite John Fogarty during the week, of course.

Again, that was my question.

I seem to be rattling them.

But if you're to look at the trends in isolation, Ireland are on a downward trend.

But to go back to your point that we made last week, I think that if there's a bit of pain to be had today, and they avoided the pain, let's give them credit for that.

Because like I said, the victory was there.

for Italy had they been a little bit more accurate at certain times but the fact Ireland came through it if there's a little bit of pain to go through this year and potentially in the summer as well but that you know I go one further not just next year's Six Nations but by the time the World Cup comes around that all those guys who you mentioned there are genuine contenders to start in the 15 or to be in the bench then I think most supporters would be happy with that but obviously you know we can't predict what's going to happen in the future and I think that's why Farrell is leaning on the

you know, this is a good experience for us because he's probably now thinking bigger picture as well.

And at the start of Six Nations, no one was predicting that Ireland are going to win the Six Nations.

I think most people had probably said they're probably the third best team and they're on track for that at the moment.

Obviously, again, England are struggling against Scotland.

Like I had said last week, you know, don't rule out the potential for Ireland to win in Twickenham.

Now that was sort of under the premise that, you know, there was going to be sort of a confidence boosting performance and win here tonight.

And I don't think we got that, but I still wouldn't rule out, you know, a big performance because it's been so long since we've seen it.

I think on that and how good the shape looked for those instantly when Crowley comes on, I think it really helps when you have a 10 and look, this will hopefully come in Sam Prendergast's game, but have the triple threat of the run, kick and pass