Over the last few weeks, we have had some enthralling internationals. They have been revealing and exciting from the perspective of three of the countries in the Six Nations Championship.

But we have also had some very disturbing happenings, most notably the fate suffered by Romania in Twickenham and the problems of such as the Samoans. But that is a discussion point for another day and one that should concentrate the minds of the International Rugby Board, who assuredly have a big responsibility in those areas.

Recent weeks and happenings have been good for Ireland and, indeed for France. Despite their failure yet again to land the Grand Slam, England's win over Australia was a fine achievement, even if it added to their sense of frustration at failing at the final hurdle in the Six Nations, as has been stated by their coach.

England's win over the Australians, the victories by France over South Africa and Australia, and Ireland's performance against New Zealand - impressive in many, if obviously not all, respects - reflect extremely well on three of the Six Nations countries.

For Scotland, Wales and Italy, however, there has been little in the way of comfort and much to disturb in recent times.

Argentina beat both Wales and Scotland on successive weekends. The win by Argentina over Scotland on Sunday was, in fact, their fourth in succession against the Scots. Looking at Scotland last Sunday one was left to rue Ireland's loss last September to this very moderate Scotland team. Italy lost to South Africa 26-54 and outscored eight tries to two.

Reflection on Ireland's performance against New Zealand still leaves the feeling that it was a match that left a great sense of disappointment for, as Ireland captain Keith Wood put it, "we could have won." He added: "We put ourselves in a position to win and let it slip. We need more than the odd big win. We want to do it consistently. We have made significant progress but still have some way to go."

That is a very accurate assessment of what was a great and memorable match, played in a tremendous atmosphere .

Despite the disappointment it has indeed proved that this Ireland team has come a very long way since that nightmare against Argentina in the World Cup and the debacle against England at Twickenham 20 months ago.

The All Blacks captain Anton Oliver described Ireland as a great team. Heady praise, but as yet not quite great but undoubtedly as we saw against England and again last Saturday moving in the right direction. We now have a team that is competitive against the best. That surely is a mighty step forward from not so long ago.

If as yet it is too early to offer a judgment on just how good this All Blacks team will become, true to the tradition of their predecessors they have a ruthless streak once things begin to go their way. And from the moment they cut the 21-7 deficit they carried after 43 minutes of the match to 21-19 by the 50th one had reason to be anxious. Two tries between the 45th and 50th minutes were huge blows not alone in tangible but also in psychological terms.

Ireland went into that match having never beaten the All Blacks and that was also a psychological factor of consequence.

Doubts in the mind can have a physical knock on effect. At 21-19 those doubts were in Irish minds. On another issue too, the Ireland players have played a great deal of rugby at representative level since last August, including five internationals since September 22nd. Add in Heineken Cup and Celtic League matches and it amounts to 16 representative matches for some.

The All Blacks two-try burst in that five-minute spell and then a third within another six minutes left Ireland with problems.

They faced a huge physical challenge and a psychological one. It is always easier to keep concentration and counter tiredness of the mind as well as the body when you feel that you can win and are in a position to win than to have to come from behind after surrendering a good lead.

But all credit to Ireland and to their spirit and bravery for not capitulating as happened when the teams met in November 1997. The Irish went into an early lead in that match but then got swamped in the closing stages and lost 63-15. Last Saturday it was Ireland who scored in the last minute. But no team is immune, including the All Blacks, from doubts entering the mind.

One wonders then if Ireland had gone into a 20-0 lead before the All Blacks got their first try five minutes from the interval just what effect it would have had.

The referee Andre Watson has been praised for his handling of the game, but what about his decision not to sin bin the All Blacks forward Norman Maxwell for a deliberate professional foul and obstruction of Peter Stringer's pass to Anthony Foley. Surely that was a sin bin offence and arguably a penalty try. Watson awarded a penalty, but kept his yellow card in his pocket. And what if David Humphreys had managed to hold on to the ball after he intercepted at a crucial period in the second half? But so much for speculation on how the All Blacks would have responded.

There is, however, every reason to be pleased with so many elements of a great match. But I still have doubts, as have been expressed here before, about the additional matches in the Celtic League in a season we had three Six Nations matches to play in a seven-week period together with matches against Samoa and Australia. Granted that was exceptional.

And there are very positive aspects to the Celtic League.

In conclusion here is a quote from Eddie Jones, the Australian coach to lift heart and spirit: "As of now people would say that there are five countries who could be considered strong contenders in the World Cup - Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, France and England. But I would add a sixth in Ireland if they continue their current rate of improvement. They have made huge strides forward. They are now really competitive and difficult opponents for any opposition and they could very well have beaten the All Blacks."