Both coaches left with room to improve

The need for improvement is undisputed following an opening victory over Scotland but there will be more to this week’s preparation for Saturday’s Wales game than simply going at training with hammer and tongs.

A six-day turnaround between Test matches is no new phenomenon for professional rugby coaches, but the narrow timeframe still represents a challenge for them in terms of striking the right balance in both mental and physical preparation.

Ireland checked back into camp last night following a day’s well-earned recovery after Sunday’s Six Nations opener. Joe Schmidt’s players were left under no illusion that the remaining days before they take on reigning champions Wales in Dublin have to be mapped out with pinpoint precision, especially as Warren Gatland’s players will have enjoyed an extra 24 hours of recovery.