Too little, too late as Ireland rue ‘disappointing’ Six Nations campaign

Ireland ended their Six Nations campaign on a winning note against Scotland, but skipper Rory Best admitted they will view this year’s tournament in a negative light.

Defending champions Ireland were looking to create history by becoming the first team to win three titles in a row.

However, a draw against Wales in the opening game put paid to hopes of a grand slam, and the title was surrendered following narrow defeats to France and England, despite holding second half leads in both games.

Ireland ended the tournament with convincing victories – 58-15 over hapless Italy and 35-25 against Scotland on Saturday, but it was too little, too late as far as Best was concerned.

“It’s been good to finish with two wins, two good results, but for us we expect to win every game – that’s the standard that’s been set,” Best said.

“So we’ll look back and be disappointed. The most disappointing part was the France game. We won the first half and then we let them off the hook and didn’t keep attacking them.