And that, appears to be that.
After the draw result against Wales last week and the one point defeat to France today, it looks like Ireland will not be taking that historical step to become the first side to win three successive Six Nations titles.
It was a brutal and equally attentional game of rugby in which Ireland were the dominant side in all respects. But injuries to Sean O'Brien, Dave Kearney, Johnny Sexton and co coupled with an unfortunate error that led to France's try, ultimately condemned us to defeat.
It would take some mathematical magic and the outcome of all remaining fixtures to favour Ireland's cause, in order for us to win the Six Nations at this point.
But it's important to remain optimistic, like this guy.
All jokes aside though, things are grim for Irish rugby and here's how the Off The Ball crew feel about the situation.
Balls. Ireland battered after last week. Very winnable game, frustrating. Also a bloody awful game #IREvFRA
— Joe Molloy (@MolloyJoe) February 13, 2016
Injuries really taking their toll but Ireland are so one dimensional. Utterly lacking in ambition in that first half, France were vulnerable
— David McIntyre (@DaveMcIntyreNT) February 13, 2016
Beaten by a French team with Lionel Messi at hooker. Bad times. pic.twitter.com/vQwvIujl1G
— Adrian Barry (@WhosAdrianBarry) February 13, 2016
Do Irish players have a higher injury rate than other countries?
— Nathan Murphy (@nathanmurf) February 13, 2016
"One of the worst French teams I've ever seen" - @RuaidhriOC summing up a bitter defeat in Paris.
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) February 13, 2016
Scrums are so dull. Can they be eradicated from the game or at least refereed differently
— Colm Parkinson (@Woolberto) February 13, 2016
