Both Brian O'Driscoll and Rory Best concluded that Ireland lacked some creative spark in defeat to France in the Six Nations on Sunday.
"The Lowe no-try early on, when France were down to 14, that's a pivotal moment," O'Driscoll told ITV.
"We talk so often about fine margins in Six Nations. You knew it was going to be very difficult for France. We've got very good home record against them.
"With the amount of possession Ireland had - 55 per cent - they just didn't create enough opportunities for themselves. That one Lowe opportunity. The Kelleher try was even an error from France."
O'Driscoll's fellow former Ireland captain added:
"It was very impressive how France dominated the second half, territory-wise. They turned the screw. The France of the last four or five years, they would have done something to give you a big opportunity in that second half. Really they didn't until the last minute or two.
"Some of Ireland's attack, there's a lot of running at one-out runners. You contrast that to France who are looking for space, looking for offloads. They will find space whether it's in the middle or kicks in behind. The variety of the game was good from France and can be better for Ireland."
Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
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