Brian O'Driscoll today faced up to the gulf in class Ireland must bridge if they are to compete with the top rugby teams in the world.
The Irish captain and centre paid tribute to England's spectacular five-try display, which secured the first Grand Slam under the reign of head coach Clive Woodward.
But he insisted it was formidable defence as much as fabulous tries that sealed the 42-6 triumph at Lansdowne Road - something Ireland will need to emulate if they are to make an impact at the World Cup in Australia.
"Their scrambling defence is excellent," said O'Driscoll. "It really killed us. It is one of their great strengths and one of the best you'll come across.
"They get their big guys around the rucks and their fastest players out wide and their organisation is fantastic. They have been perfecting it for quite a few years and they all know exactly what to do," he said.
O'Driscoll also conceded that England deserve to be considered the best team in the world and are favourites for the World Cup.
"We gave everything we had and tried hard but they proved why they are the number one side in the world," said O'Driscoll. "We were struggling at first with the tempo of the game. It was very fast, the quickest I've played in the Six Nations".
O'Driscoll's contention that England are World Cup favourites was supported by Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan, though he was swift to point out how far Ireland have come in the last year.
"We feel down and we are very disappointed," said O'Sullivan, rueing a glorious chance to have secured a first Grand Slam since 1948.
"But they are the number one team in the world and they are right on top of their game. They defended very well and in the second-half they strangled us up front and struck at critical moments. [Mike] Tindall's try especially was a stake in the heart.
"They have seen everyone off in the autumn and seen everyone off in the spring. With that sort of form over the year they must be favourites for the World Cup".
"If anyone had told me last August, however, that we would play 11 matches and have won 10 I'd say that's not a bad run. We need to be crisper and have better lines of running and we need to be more clinical against the top teams," O'Sullivan added.
"But it has taken England a few years to get to this point. I told the lads to hold their heads high and stick out their chests because they can be proud of themselves".
PA