Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan today dismissed Welsh attempts to crank up the tension surrounding tomorrow's Six Nations clash.

Wales coach Warren Gatland this morning revealed comments made by Ireland hooker Rory Best are being used as a motivational tool for the eagerly-anticipated Croke Park showdown.

Best claimed the Six Nations' only unbeaten side had yet to be tested in the championship and the outburst has left the Wales camp smarting. And after declaring Best had inadvertently fuelled the final push for a Triple Crown, Gatland went on to direct an unflattering riposte at the Ulsterman.

Gatland said: "We did put his quotes up in the team room as a little bit of motivation."

The Kiwi added sarcastically: "When you get a world-class player like Rory Best making those comments it can be reasonably motivational for a team like us."

Best would be forgiven a sense of bewilderment at seeing an interview given on Monday pounced upon by Wales and his ensuing vilification in the Principality.

But O'Sullivan, whose frosty relationship with Gatland provides a fascinating sub-text to the match, is surprised at Welsh efforts to stoke up animosity between the sides.

"You can drum what was said up into something more but Rory knows the landscape tomorrow better than anybody," said the Ireland boss. "What Wales are doing might have been great in the amateur days of 'ra-ra-ra' but I think we've moved beyond 'ra-ra-ra'.

"We are talking about professional players who prepare meticulously to play a game. Some throwaway comment by somebody a week before the game is not going to be the hinge on which you win a match. That's a very dated view on how teams prepare to play rugby. We've all moved on."

Brian O'Driscoll has also been drawn into the mind games with Gatland claiming earlier this week that the Ireland skipper has lost a yard of pace. But O'Driscoll, who has shown flashes of brilliance since the World Cup, insisted his response would be delivered on the pitch.

"Warren is entitled to his opinion and with 24 hours to go to the game you won't find me getting involved in a tit for tat," he said. "Each to their own and hopefully I'll be able to do a bit of 'talking' tomorrow."

O'Driscoll leads a rejigged backline which sees Leinster colleague Rob Kearney moved from wing to full-back after Geordan Murphy and Girvan Dempsey admitted defeat in their fitness battles.

Approval has followed Kearney's impressive progress throughout the Six Nations - he will be winning only his fifth cap -  and is sure to be subjected to an aerial bombardment from Stephen Jones.

But O'Sullivan is confident the rookie 21-year-old, who is viewed as the long-term successor at 15, will thrive with the extra responsibility.

"Rob was dropped in at the deep end against France in Paris and did very well. Against Scotland, he was excellent," he said. "He's a very grounded young lad, he knows the challenges in front of him and is keeping very focused on the job.

"It's a very exciting chance for him. He's one of these players who's nearly more comfortable at full-back than he is on the wing. We know the dynamics of playing at full-back are different from those on the wing and more questions will be asked of him tomorrow.

"He'll probably be tested under the high ball, I've no doubt about that. He's answered all the questions that have been asked of him up to now and he'll do the same tomorrow."

Ireland have turned to Shane Horgan to plug the gap on the right wing with Tommy Bowe switching sides and Luke Fitzgerald promoted to the bench. Both Murphy and Dempsey are expected to recover from their respective Achilles and hip injuries in time to face England a week tomorrow.