THE Ireland manager, Pat Whelan, could afford a broad smile, but whatever the internal joy after Ireland's record win over Wales the faces of coach Murray Kidd and captain Niall Hogan did not reflect their obvious satisfaction; the faces were earnest as they talked of the win. International rugby is a serious business. So a night of celebration was followed yesterday by a morning of contemplation on a coming event.

Reflection on the win and the manner of its attainment offered sustenance for the task immediately ahead: the match against England at Twickenham on Saturday week. Preparation for it was very much on Whelan's mind yesterday. "It presents a different kind of challenge and we are well aware of it," he said.

"We will probably select the team on Wednesday night and announce it on Thursday morning. We must also select the A side." The A team will be going for a Triple Crown.

"Our business is to do what is best for Irish rugby," said the manager, "and it is extremely unlikely that I will release any of the players chosen for the match at Twickenham to play for their clubs in English league or cup matches next Saturday. I will release players chosen for the A team, but if we are to have squad sessions next Saturday, as is intended, then those sessions can only be meaningful if we have our full team available.

"We have a lot of work to do, and we really need both Saturday and Sunday to do it. That has to be our primary consideration. We cannot afford to be influenced by other factors. I have made the position very clear on this issue in the past."

So it looks like bad news for those players with English clubs who will be chosen in the 21 for Twickenham. Whelan will announce his decision about the weekend arrangements today.

Six of the Ireland side that helped in the win last Saturday are based with English clubs, a seventh was in the replacements.