Ireland to strengthen defence - O'Kelly

Ireland will be putting in overtime on their defensive drills in the run-up to the Six Nations decider with England on Sunday…

Ireland will be putting in overtime on their defensive drills in the run-up to the Six Nations decider with England on Sunday, according to second row Malcolm O'Kelly.

Eddie O'Sullivan's side conceded just one try in their first three games but leaked three in Saturday's 25-24 victory over Wales.

O'Kelly acknowledges that the focus this week will be on defense as Ireland look to plug the gaps that almost wrecked their Grand Slam dream.

"We know what we need to do," he said. "We're going to analyse Saturday's game and see why there were so many holes in our defence. But, just because there were holes against Wales doesn't mean there will be holes there next week. We will have a different plan when we play England."

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Ireland haven't been impressive in their victories over France and Wales but they have discovered how to prevail in tight situations and that winning habit could be decisive at Lansdowne Road on Sunday, according to assistant coach Declan Kidney.

"The more tight matches you win, the better it is for your confidence and we've had a number of them now - Australia, France and Wales," said Kidney.

"They give you the confidence to play it right to the end rather than being out on the pitch with five minutes to go, saying `I wish it was over'. It's never really over until you are sitting down in the dressing room."

Ireland went into the Cardiff game without five players who started the championship because of injury and O'Sullivan admits his resources have been stretched by the condensed nature of the new championship format.

"We've taken these players into battle so often," he said. "I know it's the same for everybody and there's nothing we can do about it. We've just got to manage these guys through and make sure they are on their toes on Sunday."

He added: "If we do that right, get the game plan right and get freshness into our step, everything is possible...it's been one hell of a roller-coaster ride but it's great to be here looking at a one-off situation next Sunday."

PA