A demoralising 32-15 defeat to Australia has taken the early onset optimism from Joe Schmidt’s era as Ireland’s head coach, with a toothless and deflated performances dashing hopes of a memorable win against the Wallabies. As yesterday’s game ticked on those notions of victory moved from fanciful to farcical.

Schmidt spoke after the game about what he expects in terms of a response from his team, and promised the players would be working to make amends for the performance:

“I can assure you that there will be some intensity on Sunday, there will be some work that goes into it during the week. That’s what we can assure people of because it’s tough for us to take, well, tougher for us to take than anyone watching us and I think it was fantastic the support we got tonight and I’m disappointed for them and I know the players are as well.”

Paul O’Connell captained the side last night and after the game he admitted some of the squad still had “a little bit to learn” from Schmidt, but warned that while there is “a lot of technical stuff we need to get right” it was important to remain focused on the intensity required at this level, saying, “you can’t lose track of that intensity and that aggression that’s required in test rugby as well.”

Ireland’s next step could hardly be tougher. The All Blacks come to Dublin next weekend looking to close a record breaking year as a win at the Aviva stadium will mean they have won every game this year. To make that task even more daunting Rob Kearney and Jonny Sexton are considered doubts for the game, with injuries to both during yesterday’s game. Sexton is considered a major doubt, following an injury seconds before the half-time whistle.