Three things to watch out for from Ireland in Nations Cup opener against Wales

James Lowe: The introduction of the Leinster winger is hoped to provide part of that missing link between creating chances and finishing them. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

REDISCOVERING RUTHLESSNESS

While Ireland have shown the potency of their evolving gameplan under attack coach Mike Catt in his first Six Nations campaign, it has been sporadic. Conditions will dictate how wide they can go tomorrow night and how many offloads can be attempted but the most concerning thing for Andy Farrell has been Ireland’s inability to execute under pressure when it mattered most, namely last time out against France with a title up for grabs. So while his players scored more points and tries during the championship than eventual winners England, something has to explain why the Irish finished third.