RTE pundit Stephen Ferris reckons Ireland need to sort out their style of play quickly.
The former Ulster star was speaking after Ireland’s narrow win over Italy in their Six Nations Championship finale on Saturday.
Simon Easterby’s 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, finished third in the table following four wins and a crushing hammering at the hands of eventual championship winners France last week.
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.
And speaking after Ireland’s final scrappy win over Italy at Stadio Olimpico, Ulster legend Ferris reckons Ireland must sort out their style of play.
He also believes Ireland’s performances have regressed this season as they tournament progressed.
Speaking on RTE’s post-game coverage, he said: “I’ve got to say, they’ve regressed a little bit over the Six Nations.
“You expect them to get better, game in, game out, and they haven’t.
“They really struggled [against Italy].
“Teams are putting it up to them – defensively getting into their face – their attack hasn’t been functioning as well. Their kicking game, they’re kicking a lot more.”
The former flanker also thinks the Ireland side are somewhat confused in their approach as he pointed to the lack of decisiveness in their game plan.
He added: “Are they a possession-based team? – Are they moving more towards the Leinster style of kicking the ball more and trying to put pressure with their defence?
“I think they’re in the middle ground somewhere and they’ve got to figure it out because international rugby won’t be long coming around again.”
Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll had a different take from his former Ireland team-mate.
Speaking on ITV after Ireland’s unconvincing win in Rome, Brian O’Driscoll suggested that a “hangover” from last week’s heavy defeat to France played a major role in their lacklustre Six Nations conclusion.
The former Ireland skipper said: “In a word… no, [that wasn’t a championship-worthy win or performance].
“Last week obviously certainly wasn’t that. I’ll tell you what it does show – it shows how hard this competition is.
“Ireland have gone and won four from five, and there’s every likelihood that they could finish third in the competition.
“I think Dave Flatman got it right in commentary—he said, ‘This was about getting the job done.’
“There’s very little to hang your hat on in terms of quality there… there were errors, a lack of continuity, and timing of runs. They just looked a little bit off the pace.”
