EX-Ireland international Alan Quinlan believes Ireland’s ability to overpower opponents has diminished.
Interim boss Simon Easterby and his side were left to wonder what may have been as their Six Nations campaign ended on a frustrating note in Rome last weekend after a narrow win over Italy.
The Ireland side were on the rocks in the closing moments of the clash but did enough to snatch a 22-17 a bonus point victory at the Stadio Olimpico in the Italian capital.
But the 2023 and 2024 champions, finished third in the table following four wins and a crushing hammering at the hands of eventual championship winners France.
Simon Easterby’s side were expected to perform better in the 2025 campaign, but they failed to take a bonus point after a poor showing over Wales prior to a heavy defeat to Fabian Galthie’s French side.
Ireland kicked off the tournament with impressive wins over England and Scotland, but their form dipped in the final three matches, culminating in a third-place finish.
The disappointing end to the competition has prompted reflection on Ireland’s current standing, with some suggesting a squad rebuild may be necessary.
Munster icon Quinlan, however, points to a tactical shift among opponents, who have learned how to neutralise Ireland.
Speaking to Plejmo, the former flanker said: “The attack isn’t the same, and the dominance isn’t the same.
“Teams are spreading their defence across the field, refusing to get too narrow, and challenging Ireland to break them down.
“So far, Ireland haven’t been able to figure it out. There’s a spark missing from their overall game.”
“They needed a dominant display to close out the Six Nations with real momentum, but that wasn’t the case.
“Something just isn’t clicking. Between 2022 and 2023, they were arguably the best team in the world.
“Even after the World Cup, they went to South Africa and won a Test, which was a major statement. But this Six Nations has been underwhelming.”
Ireland play Georgia and Portugal in a summer development tour, prior to a test against New Zealand in Chicago on November 1.
