Eddie Jones says that England are going to be "kicking stones for four years" following their comprehensive World Cup final defeat against South Africa.
But head coach Jones had no complaints on a day when South Africa dominated every critical area - notably the scrum - and took their chances.
Fly-half Handre Pollard kicked 22 points, while wings Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe scored late tries to destroy England's bid for a first world title since 2003.
You can have the most investigative debrief of your game and you still don't know what was wrong," Jones said. "It just happens sometimes.
"It's not a good day for it to happen.
"We are going to be kicking stones for four years, and it is hard to kick stones for four years, so we are massively disappointed.
"At the same time, I have got great admiration for what the players did. I can't tell you much how much respect I have got for them.
"That wasn't the outcome we expected. They were worthy winners, they played very well and were too good for us on the day.
"We struggled to get into the game, and when we had opportunities we didn't take them. It was just one of those days when South Africa were too good for us."
Reflecting on England's World Cup campaign, Jones said: "We are the second-best team in the world.
"We didn't meet our goal to be the best team in the world, but we are the second-best team in the world, so I think that's how we should be remembered.
"The players prepared tremendously well for this World Cup. I thought they played with a lot of pride and passion, and we got caught short today.
"These things happen, but we can't doubt the effort of the players. I thought they were extraordinary.
"The only thing I am worried about now is having a few beers, and that's the only thing we will worry about.
"And then after we have a few beers today, we will probably have a few more beers tomorrow and maybe Monday, and then maybe we will have to pull up stumps.
"I don't know why we didn't play well today. It's one of those things that happens in high-level rugby.
"We thought our preparation this week was good, but at the end of the day it wasn't because we didn't play well.
"We are disappointed we are not the world's best team.
"We finished second - a silver medal is not as good as a gold medal, but I am proud of my players and proud of the way they have conducted themselves in Japan."