It's a big investment by any means.

That's where Wales coach Mike Ruddock should have some cause for concern in relation to morale within his own camp.

It might add an edge, certainly, when the pair next meet in the middle of the field.

Tough talk ahead of the encounter proved to be just that with the second-half performance abysmal in the extreme.

In terms of public reaction over here in Ireland at the moment (towards the Henson comments), I don't detect anything 'stinging' - if I can put it that way.