The Irish players face a tough post-match assessment on Sunday, but Farrell may already be pondering his selection for Friday’s game against Argentina, who have beaten New Zealand and world champions South Africa this year.

Before this campaign, Fiji’s visit to Dublin on November 23 looked like the most likely venue for Farrell to trial and delve deeper into his squad, but the Englishman may feel wholesale changes are needed for Argentina.

Farrell named a tried and tested squad against the All Blacks, with 10 of his squad starting in the World Cup quarter-final.

The only player missing from a familiar backline, Sexton’s craft and management of play were sorely missed. Jack Crowley, who has started every game since Sexton’s retirement in the 10th row, has failed to organize the Irish attack.

Crowley was withdrawn after 58 minutes. Ciaran Frawley, who starred in the South African summer series with a double goal in Durban, did not have much success.

The team’s third-half Sam Prendergast is seen by some as Ireland’s long-term solution in the starting 10. There’s no limit, but he definitely can’t be too far away from his first match.

But Farrell’s selection problems extend beyond the halves. He may feel the need to reintroduce Ryan Baird and Craig Casey, who were unlucky to miss the matchday squad, while Calvin Nash, who deputized ably for the injured Mack Hansen in the Six Nations, may be looking for another chance.

“There were a lot of question marks in some of the reserve selections,” said Bowe, the 2009 Grand Slam winner.

“The likes of Cian Healy, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, who played 130 times. Is it time to give the youngsters the opportunity to take this team to the next World Cup?”

It was Ireland’s third defeat in the last five matches, following defeats against England and South Africa.

But it was also their most confusing and ineffective performance.

This is what concerns Farrell the most. That’s why the Argentinian may feel the need to recover a bit before arriving in town.