Mix of fear and confidence can spur Irish on

RBS Six Nations: IRELAND V WALES

Grand Slam champions Wales may be on a seven-game losing streak heading into today’s showdown but they currently have the upper hand over Declan Kidney’s side, winning the last three encounters, the most recent of which was thanks to a late Leigh Halfpenny penalty at the Aviva Stadium 12 months ago.

Four of the last five championship meetings have been decided by less than seven points and with the Grand Slam, Triple Crown and possibly a championship title on the line in game one, Heaslip is fully aware of what is riding on his first Six Nations game as Ireland captain.