Rugby:Having held out England's full-frontal assault a fortnight ago, Ireland's defence coach Les Kiss is preparing for a more varied approach from Wales this weekend. Kiss was justifiably proud of a defensive system that missed just one tackle at Twickenham but is anticipating a different challenge at Croke Park.
In stark contrast to England’s stilted attacking game, Wales joint leading tryscorers in this season’s championship, are capable of poaching scores from all over the pitch. Seven touchdowns in three games has showcased their ability with ball in hand.
But seven tries conceded — including three interceptions — represents the tournament’s worst defensive record this term, and is a major reason why Wales seem destined for mid-table mediocrity rather than stacking up as serious title contenders.
Given Wales’ first-half implosions in contributing towards sizeable interval deficits against England, Scotland and France, a more conservative outlook could underpin their Dublin game-plan.
Kiss, though, is having none of it.
“I would be extremely surprised if Wales change their approach,” he said. “I think they will go for it. The type of players who are throwing those (interception) passes are guys who base their games on instinct and try to find an edge to take the opposition apart.
“I can’t see them holding back. Yes, there is some risk in the style they play, but I think they are committed to that style. From their perspective, they probably don’t want to go to lineouts. It is something I think they will be very wary of — it is a strength of ours.”
Successive home wins at the expense of Wales and Scotland would secure another Triple Crown triumph for Ireland, although top prize is more of a remote possibility and depends on results elsewhere.
“We are happy with a lot of the things we’ve done,” added Kiss. “We have got some good strengths in a lot of parts of our game. We would like to get a little bit more out of things, and that is probably one of the driving forces. Full credit to the guys with the way they want to try and find another edge.
“We wouldn’t dare pre-empt that this is a game (on Saturday) where we will find the magic game and everything works totally, but it’s there. If it comes out for five minutes a game, or 40, those things will come.
“I absolutely love the Six Nations. Each week is a unique challenge, but it’s an unbelievable challenge — country against country. It is the biggest thing I have been involved in.”
Not for the first time in his glittering career, Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll will take centre-stage this weekend. O’Driscoll becomes the second player to reach a century of caps for Ireland, following prop John Hayes two weeks ago, and Kiss has added his tribute.
“There are things you know about him as a player, but once you know him intimately, then there is a more complete package right across the park,” he said. “I knew his defensive prowess before I came here, but it extends beyond the obvious, it goes into other areas in terms of what he does for the players around him.
“His ability to influence a game on and off the ball in defence is unbelievable.”
Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal, meanwhile, today talked up an infinitely less-celebrated player than O’Driscoll — Munster prop Tony Buckley. Buckley’s contribution off the bench during a 20-16 victory over England at Twickenham two weeks ago proved pivotal towards Ireland closing out the win.
Buckley is again among the replacements this weekend, but Smal believes an eventual successor to Hayes — at 29, Buckley is seven years younger — might have been discovered.
“If you look at the England game and the things Tony Buckley did when he came on, he had a huge impact,” said Smal. “In terms of him as a player, I have a lot of confidence. I think he could become one of the best tightheads in the world.
“I like his size. He gives you a lot of height in the lineouts and weight in the scrums. He looks very calm off the field, and sometimes calm when he plays, but he has that trip-switch where he can climb into the opposition and counter-ruck three or four guys off the ball. That’s what you need.
“He can take over from John, and he is at the stage now where he can start kicking on.”