UK media appear to have turned on notions that Ireland are favourites for this year's Rugby World Cup, following another unconvincing display in the Six Nations.
Having lost their opening match to England in Dublin, Ireland have since recovered with wins over Scotland and Italy, however they've failed to rediscover the kind of performance that saw them topple the All Blacks 16-9 in Dublin last year.
As a result, the northern hemisphere's media contingent have seemingly backtracked on any notions that Ireland will hold the edge over the rest of the world come this year's World Cup in Japan, beginning in September.
This morning's 26-16 victory over Italy in Rome hasn't appeared to appease any critics, with Ireland now seeming unlikely to defend their Six Nations title.
Writing for the Daily Mail, Rory Keane called into question just what has happened to the world's second ranked side.
"These are worrying times for Ireland. For the third Six Nations round in a row, this squad will return to camp with more questions than answers," Keane wrote.
"Why are they so sluggish in the early stages of games? Are they too predictable? Is this a pre-World Cup dip or a team in decline? Are Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton past their best?"
The Irish Examiner's take was equally as unforgiving, saying that:
"Stuttering Ireland tiptoed out of Rome with an unconvincing victory, claiming the four-try bonus point but suffering a serious scare from Conor O'Shea's men.
"This was another Ireland performance littered with indiscipline and inaccuracy."
Ruaidhri O'Conner of the Independent wrote:"Ireland's form dip will be of deep concern to coach Joe Schmidt. In the space of three months they've gone from dominating the world's best team to struggling against a game, but limited Italian side."
Ireland are next in action against France on March 11, returning to Dublin with hope of retaining their Six Nations crown.
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