It ensures the squad will be at a low ebb when they depart for New Zealand tomorrow, and thrashing England five months ago to deny them the Grand Slam is now a distant memory.

But O’Connell insists recent events could yet prove a turning point.

“Beating England in March was good for us but it came on the back of a few disappointing performances and knowing what we needed to do,” said the Lions skipper.

“We’re probably back in that place now. We know what we need to work on.

“If the disappointment of the last four weeks puts us in a position where we can put things right, that won’t be a bad thing.”

O’Connell is convinced Ireland still have the capacity to have an impact at the World Cup.

“Absolutely we can turn this around,” he said.

“It’s been a disappointing four weeks but we’re confident that when we get to New Zealand we’ll be able to perform.

“We have an excellent squad and excellent players, there’s no denying that.

“We may not have produced our best form over the last few weeks but I’ve no doubt we can perform in New Zealand.

“Guys are disappointed but morale won’t be particularly affected by what’s happened.

“With the experience we have in the dressing room and among the coaching staff, I believe we can produce.”

Leinster flanker Shane Jennings will depart with the squad to New Zealand tomorrow after David Wallace was ruled out of the World Cup with a serious knee injury.

The disturbing casualty rate from Saturday’s match continued with Cian Healy, whose own departure has been delayed by four days because of damage to his eye socket.

Healy is now a doubt for the World Cup opener against the United States on September 11, as must be Jamie Heaslip who was concussed against England.

The fitness of Jerry Flannery (shin) and Stephen Ferris (hand) was also being monitored last night, while Brian O’Driscoll (stinger) and Sean O’Brien (knee) could yet miss the start of the tournament.