Kiss dismisses one-trick pony tag as Ireland kick on towards Six Nations

Les Kiss insists Ireland are no ‘one-trick pony’, but the assistant coach has also warned the November clean sweep offers no guarantees as Joe Schmidt’s side turns their attention towards the defence of their Six Nations title.

Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive after Ireland’s three-game winning run this month, but a consistent reliance on the boot has been noted by friend and foe alike, with opposing coaches remarking on the siege-gun approach.

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer alluded to it after their defeat three weekends ago while his Australian counterpart, Michael Cheika, was more blunt in assessing the use of “bombs” by Ireland to gain metres and possession.