Paul O'Connell is on guard for Welsh Dragons

Paul O’Connell has warned his Ireland side to expect a bigger challenge from Wales in Cardiff today than that posed by England in Dublin a fortnight ago. 

Ireland resume their bid for an RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam against a resurgent Welsh side which has regained its momentum after an opening defeat by the English in the same arena five weeks ago.

Having been blitzed by England’s pack in the second half, Warren Gatland’s team have beaten Scotland in Edinburgh and France in Paris and now return to Cardiff with the aim of halting Ireland’s Grand Slam bid and resurrecting their own championship hopes with a home finale against Italy to follow next week.