IN THE film Groundhog DayBill Murray eventually begins to alter his repetitive reality for the better. There was a singular theme from the punters streaming out of Croke Park on Saturday. Many wondered how long this might go on, as glimpses of what this Irish group can achieve are routinely followed by muted performances like that against Wales.

They have never lacked pride as a squad so an angry, improved response is expected in Twickenham, but progress has stalled under the current management. Again.

Initially, it seemed like no one would ask Eddie O'Sullivan a question at the post-match press conference. Finally, the Sunday and radio reporters remembered that blank pages and airwaves needed to be filled. The early kick-off had ensured plenty of time in terms of newspaper deadlines but no rugby correspondents sought comment. Maybe they had heard the same answers too many times.

It was clear the gameplan had been to butcher the Welsh up front, and the pack did set about the job admirably in the opening 20 minutes before the Welsh eight responded in kind.

There was little coherent sign of the Ireland back line ever cutting loose, even after it became apparent the forward battle was being edged by Wales.

Was any consideration given to changing tactics?

"No, I think we probably stuck to what we were doing until the ball was kicked behind us and we tried to open it up a bit," said David Wallace. "I suppose we probably kept the same thoughts in mind the way we were going to play for the whole game."

The problem was Ireland could not get the ball back. A general feeling of disgust washed over the stadium as the Welsh forwards made minus three yards attacking around the fringes in those mundane last five minutes.

"I don't think we played particularly badly," said Jamie Heaslip. "Just when they did have the ball they kept it well. When they got their chances they took them and closed out the game very well."

Of course, it would be easy to hang Andrew Trimble for his missed tackle on Shane Williams or lambaste Bernard Jackman for clearing out too aggressively for referee Wayne Barnes, thereby conceding the penalty that allowed James Hook make it 16-12.

"Hugely frustrated," admitted Tommy Bowe, who more than most must have been keen to show his future Ospreys team-mates his attacking qualities.

"We were hoping to send them packing with their tails between their legs. There were a couple of turning points in the game - when we didn't get that try in the first half that would have put us 13-nil up and been a great platform for us. It would have been very difficult for Wales to come back.

"Unfortunately, they came out and played the type of rugby in the second half that we played in the first. It made it very difficult for us to get any ball to really attack off.

"It was mainly a forwards game. Very frustrated for myself personally (not) to get into the game. One of those days when it was just difficult to make your mark on it."

The defence actually held up well, considering Wales were the only team asking questions out wide, but with Shane Williams on the field it only takes one error.

"We've been very happy with our defence despite one small lapse in concentration, well, not even in concentration, one small mistake. But that's the small errors that cost in international matches. They were clinical for their try and it was an uphill struggle to get back in there."

The focus switches depressingly to a nothing game in Twickenham. That is until one considers Ireland are attempting the five-in-a-row over the English.

"Everyone knows the English have a steamroller pack," Bowe continued. "They'll be going out to do to us what we were trying to do to Wales today and batter us up front. I think the boys need no motivation to go out there and put on a massive performance."

There is also the added incentive for players like Bowe, Heaslip, Eoin Reddan, Rob Kearney - maybe even Luke Fitzgerald and Tony Buckley - of playing a Six Nations match in Twickenham for the first time.

"I don't think it will be difficult to get up for it at all," remarked Heaslip. "I've never played against England so I'll be looking for the opportunity to play against them. I know a lot of people would just like to set the record straight after today. There will be no problem for lads to get up for that."