Ireland vow to opt for expansive approach

Declan Kidney will name a team today ready to cast off Ireland’s bitter memories of a World Cup quarter-final exit by playing expansive rugby in their Six Nations opener against Wales on Sunday.

At least that is the plan, according to assistant coach Mark Tainton, who yesterday promised that Ireland would not be withdrawing into their shells at the Aviva Stadium in striving to make amends for their loss to Warren Gatland’s side in New Zealand last October.

“I don’t think we’ll be restrictive,” said Tainton. “We’ve got a good idea about how we need to go out and play this game against Wales, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and if they have many weaknesses, we’ll have to try and find them.