Ireland coach Schmidt was on the defensive after the defeat in Wales IAN COOK/GETTY IMAGESJoe Schmidt rejected suggestions Ireland have regressed since their historic November wins over New Zealand and Australia, despite seeing their Six Nations hopes end after their heaviest defeat to Wales in 24 years. Rob Howley’s under-pressure team scored three tries and kept Ireland at bay to win 22-9 in the Principality Stadium, ensuring Ireland are now the side playing for pride when Grand Slam chasing England visit Lansdowne Road next weekend. You can wallow in your own self pity, or try to build on thisIrish hopes of winning a third RBS Six Nations titles in four seasons lay in tatters after a toothless performance in Cardiff, but Schmidt, who denied his side were too predictable in attack, put a brave face on the performance and claimed finishing in the top half of the championship was now their key…

Source: The Times March 11, 2017 00:03 UTC