Defeated.

Ireland captain Rory Best has remained defiant following their disappointing 30-22 Six Nations loss to England at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The crushing defeat in Dublin brings Ireland’s incredible unbeaten record at home to an end, and dashes all hope of an historic second successive Grand Slam win.

But Best says Ireland will be back, and says today’s loss will be a “massive test of character” for this current crop of players.

“We talk a lot about the character this team has. It’s easy to say it when you go win-on-win. We’ll see how we bounce back from it. It’ll be a massive test of what character is within this group.” Best told RTE Sport

“I have no doubt we will bounce back because we have some quality players and we just didn’t show what we’re capable of tonight.

“We’ve very disappointed. We got used to winning and got used to having some great moments in that changing room and this is one we’re just going to have to stomach, look back at it and see how how we can be better. There is a lot of harsh learnings from that.

“England are a cracking team and we knew that before we arrived. They put us under a lot of pressure There was a few errors and a few bits and pieces. We’ll have to take a good look at it.

“It just shows at this level and against quality sides that if you don’t start well or let them get a foothold in the game, it leaves it very difficult for you.”

Ireland face Scotland in Murrayfield next week, and as far as Best is concerned it’s about rolling up the sleeves and dusting yourself down.

“Our philosophy has always been the next game and we’ll have to roll the sleeves up and take a very good look at how we’re going to beat a very strong Scotland team.”