Scott Johnson has called for a reality check after two weeks of controversy, injury and intrigue as Wales completed their final preparations for tomorrow’s RBS 6 Nations Championship clash with Ireland.

Eleven months ago Wales beat the Irish at the Millennium Stadium to win the Grand Slam. Welsh rugby was at its highest point in 27 years.

How times change. Defeat at Lansdowne Road tomorrow would seal one of the most miserable fortnights in the 125-year history of the Welsh Rugby Union.

First of all Mike Ruddock, the coach who delivered the Grand Slam, quit on Valentine’s night. Officially his departure was put down to "family reasons", though player power and behind-the-scenes politics are rumoured to have played a central role.

While that saga rumbled on, with strong suggestions that Ruddock could sue the WRU for unfair dismissal, captain Gareth Thomas was admitted to hospital and ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a damaged artery in his neck.

Amid all that, Johnson, heading into his first Test in sole charge, recalled a certain Gavin Henson into the squad.

Henson was persona non grata as recently as last autumn after criticising Welsh team-mates on a range of issues from ability to eligibility.

Such upheaval suggests Wales would have limped into Dublin a demoralised outfit, but Johnson will not allow his players to dwell on the difficulties of the last fortnight.

"Let’s be honest, worse things have happened during the week around the world," he said. "This is a minnow compared to some of the catastrophes that have happened and some of the big decisions that have been made. Let’s get sport in reality.

"We’ve got a young group of kids who are representing a proud nation. Yes, there are issues outside — but this is about these kids representing what’s good about sport.

"That’s what makes this country what it is, you can’t hide. I won’t be hiding and rest assured, there’ll be nothing left in the tank when we come off after the game."

Thomas has been replaced at full-back by Lee Byrne, Dafydd James has come onto the wing with Shane Williams suffering a dead leg, while Henson returns to the Test arena on the bench.

Amid the fog of confusion that has descended over the past two weeks, it is easy to forget that Wales can keep the defence of their Six Nations title alive with victory tomorrow.

Wales overcame Scotland two Sundays ago but given everything that has gone on since a triumph in Dublin would represent a remarkable result.

The conditions may well not suit their running game, with blustery conditions expected at Lansdowne Road, but Johnson vowed Wales will stick to their high-tempo, attacking game-plan.

"It’s about rugby now and we are excited. This is what we come to do and it can’t come quickly enough for us," he said.

"There is no pressure whatsoever. This is playtime now and that’s fun so we are going out to have it. You know what you are getting at Lansdowne Road. You’ve got to prepare for the conditions and we’ve done that.

"The true champions can overcome those elements. We go in fully prepared to play our way, our style and see if we can have some success.

"Ireland know what to expect. We are a team that will come at sides and we are under no illusions that everyone knows that.

"We are here to come out and score more tries than the opposition. That has been our mantra for some time and that’s our intention tomorrow."