So close.

There was plenty of talk ahead of this year’s Six Nations regarding Ireland and their ability to overtake number one ranked New Zealand should results go their way.

The men in green needed to win all of their games by any margin, and they would have officially been ranked the number one team in the world. But that fairytale ended at the first hurdle last night, as they fell to a crushing 30-22 defeat to England.

But things could have been even worse had it not been for a late try by replacement scrumhalf John Cooney. In order for a team to gain maximum points over their opposition in the World Rankings, they must win by over 15 points. And England were so close.

Cooney’s try in the final moments spared Ireland’s blushes and reduced the deficit to 12 points, meaning Ireland cling onto second place. Without that try England would have overtaken Ireland. A reality check for Schmidt’s men, who will need to come back strong against Scotland next weekend.