Ireland and Leinster flanker Sean O'Brien has admitted that his side's losing streak against Wales has the squad fired up for Saturday.
O'Brien recently returned from injury in the Heineken Cup and with a Lions tour looming on the horizon, will be eager to make an impression against his back-row rivals this month.
"Wales has become a championship-defining match. You can't win a Grand Slam on the first day, but you can lose one if you don't make a good start," said O'Brien.
"There's a bit of hurt on our part after losing the last three and we want to put that right.
"Things didn't go our way last year, which was unfortunate because we played so well at times during the game.
"But we didn't play for the full 80 minutes, which is what we're looking to do this time.
"Wales may have lost seven in a row, but I don't think they'll be nervous at all.
"It's obviously a massive game for us. Wales are very tough opposition. The set-piece and breakdown will be massive."
Comments
PatrickH says...
The caption under the picture should read.. 'Hurting Others' Sean O'Brien. Mega hard bastad!
Go on the Tank!! Go on Ireland!!
Posted 18:23 01st February 2013