Monday 2 March 2015 14:21, UK
James Haskell reckons Ireland "got away with a lot" in their 19-9 Six Nations defeat of England but he could only admire the defending champions' approach.
The loss in Dublin on Sunday means England must hope the unbeaten Irish slip up in their remaining fixtures against Wales and Scotland to keep them relevant in the title race.
England head coach Stuart Lancaster and captain Chris Robshaw looked inwards to criticise after their first defeat of 2015, refusing to blame referee Craig Joubert.
And Robshaw's fellow England back-row forward Haskell also had no complaints despite believing Ireland had challenged the boundaries of the law book.
"Ireland got it right because you've got to play the referee and the conditions," Haskell said.
"They got the rub of the green. It's not about being streetwise. It's about playing right on the edge and seeing what you can get away with. And I think Ireland got away with a lot.
"We were trying to meet that physical confrontation, but discipline at the breakdown was difficult. I don't think any decisions really went our way in that area. Ireland imposed themselves very well."
Ireland got it right because you've got to play the referee and the conditions
England must regroup against Scotland at Twickenham a week on Saturday before finishing with a home game with France on March 21 - and they hope to place themselves in a position to strike should the title be decided on points difference like last year.
"We've been in situations like this before. We understand what's needed to get the train back on the tracks," Haskell said.
"This is a deviation. The boys will put their hands up and say we were beaten by a better side on the day. We weren't on the money, it's as simple as that.
"We've got two weeks until we play Scotland and whoever's in the team will have a lot of work to do, but we'll come out firing.
"There are afternoons you enjoy and then some pretty long afternoons when it doesn't go well at all. This was one of those days where it lingers and it's pretty disappointing."
