Ireland dig for details

SHAUN EDWARDS has revealed how homework is the secret behind Ireland becoming a major force in northern hemisphere rugby.

The Wales defence coach admits he was amazed by the Irish players’ attention to detail on the British and Irish Lions tour in South Africa last summer.

But Edwards now aims to plot the Grand Slam champions’ downfall in the Six Nations clash at Croke Park.

Edwards said: “What stood out for me about the Irish players on the Lions tour was their attention to detail in preparation for games.

“They were very analytical and very intelligent by looking for weaknesses in their opponents and their own game.

“They spent a lot of time on their laptops looking at the opposition – they take the game very seriously.

“It’s one of Ireland’s strengths and they are very good rugby players.”

Lions star Tommy Bowe was Ireland’s match-winner with a stunning brace of tries against England at Twickenham.

But Edwards insists Wales will be ready for the Ospreys winger in Dublin.

Edwards added: “I coached Tommy on the Lions tour and he is a big guy to have on the wing. He is very good in the air and got off to a flyer against England. But the Ospreys players in our squad should know a lot about the guy and the way Ireland use him.”

Another of Ireland’s strengths is the lineout which Declan Kidney’s men used to full effect to set up Bowe’s last-gasp winner at HQ.

Edwards said: “Ireland are outstanding in the line-out which is a real part of their armoury and they managed to get clean ball off the top. (England defence coach) Mike Ford would have practiced that move all week but one player has switched off after 70-odd minutes and Tommy has exploited it.”