The thought of Jacob Stockdale crossing over the line with a huge grin on his face during the Grand Slam feels like a distant memory. In recent months it seems the joy has been sucked out of Irish rugby.
Speaking on Tuesday's OTB AM, former England international Mike Tindall says Ireland need to rediscover their enthusiasm for the game.
“They have to go and find their mojo again and they have got to find it fast.
“They need to go for a completely fresh point of view I feel and have a bit of fun out there.
"I don't think that is something that Schmidt has got in him, to break away from his structure and actually just give them a bit of freedom to play so they come off and feel refreshed and that they've enjoyed it," he said.
When it came to the crushing defeat to England on the weekend, Tindall said Ireland really shot themselves in the foot.
“Ireland never got into their game because of how much they struggled at lineout time.
“You don’t see an Irish team lose five lineouts and that’s where they generate their possession from.
The gain line
“They play pressure rugby to get penalties which they got and put them in the right area. Then they’re losing those lineouts which doesn’t usually happen for Ireland," the former Gloucester centre said.
There were worrying signs for Ireland on Saturday as some of the issues from the Six Nations reared their heads again.
While Tindall does think Ireland have become predictable, he also believes they can turn it around for the World Cup.
“People now know what to expect from them and if you can put a lot of pressure on their forwards you can make it a very hard day for them.
“What England showed in the Six Nations was that if you get up and stop them behind the gain line, it’s hard for Ireland’s game to flow.
“I think Joe Schmidt is an absolutely outstanding coach and you do have the players," Tindall said.
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