Players know they must cut out defensive lapses, declares Les Kiss

Three weeks ago, the chief question being asked of Joe Schmidt’s Ireland ahead of the World Cup was whether they could inject some zing into what has been a solid rather than spectacular attacking game this last two seasons.

Now, in the wake of six tries conceded and a litany of missed tackles against Wales and Scotland, the focus has turned to a previously impressive defence that had leaked just three tries in five games when retaining their Six Nations title.

Les Kiss’s abilities as a defence coach have been praised by players during the Declan Kidney and Schmidt eras, but the Australian revealed that there was little he needed to say to players all too painfully aware of where they had fallen short in recent weeks.