Looking back at the loss to New Zealand over the weekend, it's clear that Ireland will be disappointed with their performance in a number of areas of the game.
The line-out issues were clear to see, especially in the first half. Andy Farrell's side gave up possession far too often from their own delivery, often failing to capitalise in dangerous positions as a result.
The scrum was another source of concern.
Whereas Ireland have often excelled in that area over the last couple of years, they were punished for a number of infringements in the scrum in the loss to the All Blacks. In the end, that had a decisive impact on the outcome of the game.
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Ex-Springboks star analyses Ireland scrum penalties vs All Blacks
Some felt Ireland were harshly treated in this area by referee Wayne Bartnes, with Andrew Porter in particular getting pinged on a number of occasions.
Speaking on the RTÉ Rugby Podcast, former South Africa, Ulster, and Munster prop BJ Botha said that Ireland can have no complaints with the decisions on the day.
I've looked at them and I do believe they were (penalties).
[Andrew] Porter for me is an unbelievable player but if you look at the weakest part of his game it would be scrummaging. He's shown that.
I've looked at the games and he was quite lucky against South Africa. [Ben] O'Keeffe went after him after the first scrum and said that you need to lift your elbow up. It was a clear penalty.
Set piece is paramount in these cup games. When that cycle turns at scrum time, it is first and foremost set by that first scrum; it sets the tone and we build momentum through it...
New Zealand came and they knew they could take them on there. When you create this momentum it's difficult for the ref to change that around.
It takes a real proper ref to make a big decision. [Wayne] Barnes is one of the better ones on the scrum side and he made some good decisions.
Ireland will certainly look back at their scrummaging in this game with plenty of regrets, with the penalties conceded in this area ultimately giving New Zealand a platform to go and win the match.
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