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Published 08:45 26 Feb 2015 GMT
Updated 12:53 26 Feb 2015 GMT
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Big reason(s) we lost: The scrum. Four of Ireland's seven scrums were lost and seven scrum penalties were conceded, including a penalty try. At one stage, it looked as if England were deliberately knocking on to give Ireland scrums they could then destroy.
Have we fixed it? Yes but expect a stern English test. Ireland's nadir but one we have since recovered from. World Rugby now allows a loose and tight-head prop on the bench and Ireland have benefited from the province's giving senior experience to the next generation.
We now have a reliable four-pack - Ross, Cian Healy, Jack McGrath and Marty Moore - with decent back-up options, such as James Cronin, Dave Kilcoyne and, in the near future, Tadhg Furlong.
What happened? The Grand Slam was on, following a superb away win over Wales. Jamie Heaslip and Declan Kidney were joking about Simon Zebo and Paddy Jackson rap-offs. Brian O'Driscoll became a dad for the first time. What could go wrong?
Big reason(s) we lost: Three bad injuries to Johnny Sexton, Simon Zebo and Gordon D'Arcy, who limped on with a broken bone in his foot, wrecked the Irish backline. The pack struggled to gain any front-foot ball for Ronan O'Gara and Conor Murray to play with. Owen Farrell kicked like a dream any time Ireland were penalised. O'Driscoll drifted in and out of the game while the injured Paul O'Connell looked on from the sidelines.
Have we fixed it? Yes. Again, Ireland's injury situation has improved. Most importantly, Sexton looked good after his return against France and Zebo has now started the last seven games for Ireland. Paul O'Connell is back and in bristling form. Ireland now concede the fewest penalties of all the Six Nations teams.
Big reason(s) we lost: Handling errors. Under intense English pressure, the normally unflappable O'Driscoll spilled a couple of passes. Ireland won just five of nine scrums. Ireland's attacking maul, usually such an effective weapon, was neutralised.
Have we fixed it? Time will tell. England should not get away with their illegal antics to stop rolling mauls with the home crowd bellowing at the referee. The scrum looked good for one match (against Italy) and 50 minutes (against France) so the feeling, as we go up against the likes of Joe Marler and Dylan Hartley, is one of trepidation.The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 139
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