Matt Williams believes that Joe Schmidt's announcement that he was leaving precipitated a downturn in Ireland's form, culminating in defeat to the All Blacks.
The former Leinster coach spoke to Monday Night Rugby, to understand Ireland's poor form and what it means for Andy Farrell in his new role.
Williams believes that the origin for the dip came on 26th November 2018 when Schmidt announced his departure - and cited studies that he believes prove his hypothesis.
"That announcement was made with all the good intentions for the good of Irish rugby, but that signalled the beginning of the end," said Williams.
"Because of the way Joe runs that team - and he has run Ireland quite magnificently for a number of years - he is a cultural architect.
"There is nothing wrong with that - that is one way of running a team. But once that cultural architect leaves, it has an impact on the group dynamics."
Williams believes there are two types of organisations in sport - personality-centric ones like Ireland, or Manchester United under Alex Ferguson.
The other are 'inter-generational' organisations like the All Blacks or the Welsh rugby team.
Schmidt exit
"Everything about the team stagnated - the didn't progress, they didn't grow and they didn't move forward.
"More importantly, the opposition - especially England - came up with a plan that really stifled Ireland. We saw that at the Aviva this year.
"Ireland have really struggled to come up with play and tactics to get past what the opposition are doing to them.
"They seem to shrink closer and closer in their play, so their expansive play was almost non-existent."
Seeing Ireland contained in such a manner again last weekend left Williams frustrated at their callow exit from the tournament in Japan.
"I was yelling at the TV. I was sad and frustrated but I was not surprised in any way.
"What surprised me most that nobody saw this coming, but for me the writing has been on the wall for a good 12 months."
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