Former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has elaborated on his immense disappointment after the World Cup quarter-final loss.
Ireland suffered yet again last eight exit last month, this time at the hands of New Zealand. It ensures the record of never reaching a semi-final continues and for Schmidt, this was particularly dispiriting for the fans.
Speaking on RTE One's Late Late Show, Schmidt said it was tough to take.
"I am probably my own worst critic. I can see why people are upset or disappointed particularly by that last performance in the World Cup because I was every bit as disappointed as were the players. It has been hard to get over but time marches on.
When asked does he give himself a hard time over Japan, he replied "Yes. I think so."
"I don't know if any of the audience were there but just before the game when the All Blacks were doing the Haka, the Fields of Athenry was unbelievable.
"You could not hear the Haka and they had microphones out for the Haka. The Fields of Athenry was incredible.
We had fantastic support. You are disappointed for yourself, but all those people have travelled over to support you. You are totally disappointed for them. I know a number of them had tickets for semi-finals as well.
I don't know if you heard in the semi-final, but in one of the semi-finals, you could hear the Fields of Athenry.
The former Ireland coach was also surprised by Brian O'Driscoll during the interview, who paid tribute to the legacy.
"Of course there is disappointment around the World Cup. We all want to get to that elusive semi-final and we will get there at some point. But let's not lose sight of what went on before that. Beating the All Blacks for the first time.
"We waited 61 years for a Grand Slam in 2009. We only had to wait another nine or ten thanks to that group of players and Joe. There has been so much great stuff."
