Well, despite being a supporter of the Ireland team I was disappointed with the lads' performance last weekend. The England match had a lot more energy.

Seems to me that, on reflection, Ireland are a responsive/reactive side rather than a pro-active team.
In other words, it they meet tough opposition they'll rise to the occasion and often win (often enough to take championships anyway!).

But if they meet a mediocre side that's how they respond, too.

Are we perhaps too shy or lacking in national confidence? Is it a cultural thing? National embarassment? Or am i just talking a load of bo%%*cks?
Dáithí