Defence a worry for Williams

Shane Williams says there will be no let-up in Wales’ search for a solution to shore up their leaking defence.

Ireland’s three-try blast at Croke Park means Wales have conceded 10 touchdowns in this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship – eight more than when they were crowned 2008 Grand Slam champions.

Australia also ran in four against them during Wales’ final autumn Test earlier this season, suggesting it is a worry that will not go away.

“Teams are causing us problems, although we are working hard at finding a fix,” said the Wales wing.

“Our defence was bad, we made mistakes in key areas and left a few holes which Ireland utilised. Our lack of concentration at times cost us.

“We did not get in the right areas often enough, and you often get punished at international level when you make a mistake.

“I would love to have the answer to our problems because it is very frustrating.

“We will have to sit back, look at the footage and see where we are going wrong.

“Our discipline and kicking at times was quite poor, and you can’t afford to do that, especially when you are up against such a quality outfit.”

Wales coach Warren Gatland faces a selection balancing act this week when he contemplates his team to face fellow Six Nations strugglers Italy in Cardiff next Saturday.

If Scotland tear up the form book and avoid defeat in Ireland next weekend, then the Millennium Stadium losers will be this season’s wooden spoon recipients.

Wales’ 27-12 defeat against Ireland – their heaviest Six Nations loss of the Gatland coaching reign – consigned them to a finish outside the top three.

Gatland’s hand could be strengthened by the probable availability of British and Irish Lions trio Mike Phillips, Gethin Jenkins and Ryan Jones after injuries.

But he must also decide whether or not to go for youth, with Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar and Cardiff Blues flanker Sam Warburton in the squad and thirsty for action.

When Wales faced Italy last season, Gatland made nine changes from the side edged out by France a fortnight earlier – and his team delivered a stuttering 20-15 success.

The New Zealander is unlikely to opt for so many switches this time around when he names his team tomorrow, but several players will be sweating on their places following a sub-standard display in Dublin.

Flanker Martyn Williams, who took over as skipper from injured captain Jones, was left to reflect on his sixth defeat from seven starts as Wales leader during a 95-cap Test career.

But Williams offered no excuses for the defeat, claiming: “Our Achilles heel, throughout the tournament, has been our concentration.

“We need to do it from the first to the last minute.

“We had plenty of ball, but we weren’t clinical enough. During key points of the game we switched off, and Ireland took full advantage.”