There is no doubt Joe Schmidt's time with Ireland has been a success, but with two World Cup quarter-final exits, he will have some regrets.
With three Six Nations titles over five years–including a Grand Slam in 2018– his tenure has not been short of silverware.
According to Ruaidhri O'Connor though, his failure at World Cup time will impact on his overall legacy.
"The reality of being at a World Cup is all that matters is what happens in this five or six-week cycle, this is when everyone is at their best.
"At the end of the day, Ireland's record defeats at World Cups have come in quarter-finals coached by Joe Schmidt.
"His team broke their own record against New Zealand on Saturday and I think that will besmirch his legacy," he said.
Ultimately, O'Connor feels that unlike the World Cup in 2015 there were no excuses this time around and generally he was able to pick his strongest side.
. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/SportsfileNational interest
"No coach ever had better conditions to succeed at this tournament. Players have moved, a lot of eggs have been broken to make this particular omelette.
"Joey Carbery and Jordi Murphy were moved and Leinster would argue that their chances of retaining the Champions Cup were weakened in the national interest," O'Connor said.
While he did recognise the success that Ireland has had under Schmidt, he feels how Ireland performed this year has been well below par.
"He has kept Ireland at the top of the tree for so long. He has improved players and he has changed the way Ireland thinks about rugby.
"They were the world's number one team coming into this tournament having done everything they did in 2018.
"The drop off though has been very significant and while it doesn't ruin his legacy it certainly undermines it," the Irish Independent journalist stated.
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