Johnny Watterson talks to Mike Ford, Ireland's defensive coach

Those untroubled with the details may have had a look at Ireland in Twickenham and engaged their minds into neutral. When that happens someone is going to take all the blame. Mike Ford, Ireland's defensive coach is too nuggety a professional to feel the heat of rancour and finger pointing. Disappointed, yes, but after a wet week in the job, Ireland's capitulation to England is more detailed than any blame game.

"I know if I was watching that match as a neutral in Twickenham, I would have thought Ireland don't have a defensive coach and never had a defensive coach," says Ford. "It was totally disorganised. I think I'm experienced enough to know that a team first has to go backwards before it goes forwards when something new is introduced, especially when you come under the pressure England put us under. Yes, I expected us to go back but not as far as we did."

From Ford's perspective the issue is what can be done to move on. The parts are in place, but they are not yet working in harmony. "Obviously I'm disappointed," he says, "particularly in the way we crumbled in the first half. But now that has happened maybe I can use it as a blessing in disguise.

"I'm not saying we didn't work hard. I just think the mental side of it is very difficult. The pressure is hard. In Twickenham under pressure, you go back to old habits. We defended individually, not as a team. We had one or two defending together when we needed five or six. Some of the players defended like Leinster, some like Munster and others like Bath. We've got to buy into the system and gel as a team," he says.

When the squad assembles today in the Holiday Inn in Dublin the video analysis may well have an adult rating. Given the high quality of the Irish players, the fact reflex actions kicked in under pressure points to a defensive job not yet close to completion. Ford's worth will be measured by the number of tries and points Ireland concede but an entire defensive system doesn't just arrive ready-made. It needs to be tried, tested and calibrated.

"To be honest I don't think I've gotten through to all the players on the understanding side yet. That might sound odd as they are experienced international players. But this is new to them - how to defend, where to defend in various situations on the pitch, on the scoreboard and on the clock.

"If I was a player the first thing I would look at would be myself. Then once I did that I'd decide what I've to do myself. Then I'd want information from the coach to make me improve. I think it would be easy to work out after the embarrassment of Saturday."

There is little doubt the analysis will be a cathartic experience and, given Eddie O'Sullivan's directness as head coach, the positive and negative will be offered for general consumption. It might be unpalatable but in Ford's mind, they can't let the possibility of a player not really understanding what happened drift by.

"Before I say anything I'll talk to Eddie as head coach. It's his call. I would like to be able to name names and pin-point players. Nastiness is not the word, it's not that but players have to know where they went wrong and why. As defensive coach, it doesn't matter who it is, whether it's Brian O'Driscoll or Peter Clohessy or a younger player . . . whoever.

"But I believe it is important to know precisely where we went wrong and it has got to come from somebody. Maybe I have to challenge them a bit and see if they understand, maybe ask them rather than tell them what happened."

Given how Ford had praised the players for their enthusiasm in wanting to change their defensive habits, it's unlikely there will be a revolt. Clearly as candid an individual as O'Sullivan, it could however be a tough week of soul searching for the Irish rugby squad collectively and as individuals.