Gatland: Ill-discipline cost us against Ireland

Warren Gatland has lamented "discipline and soft penalties" as key factors behind Wales' heaviest Six Nations home defeat for 22 years. Gatland's team will head to Edinburgh next weekend for an appointment with resurgent Scotland, knowing that their tournament hopes and ambitions are already under intense scrutiny. A 34-10 loss to Ireland at the Principality Stadium shredded any fairy-tale script that might have accompanied Gatland's return for his second stint as Wales head coach.

It ended up being Wales' biggest Six Nations reversal in Cardiff since Ireland crushed them 36-6 in 2001. And while Wales have won on six of their last seven visits to Murrayfield, Scotland's memorable Calcutta Cup triumph against England has increased their degree of difficulty. "The discipline and soft penalties cost us," Gatland said.

"I think there were about 16 penalties (in total), which just isn't good enough. You need to get that down to under 10 in international rugby." Wales conceded 27 points during the first 27 minutes, such was Ireland's domination amid thumping confirmation of their current status as the world's top team. And while Wales' second-half display showed vast improvement - along with fine displays by young prospects Rio Dyer, Joe Hawkins and Jac Morgan - the damage had already been done.

Gatland added: "We created a number of chances but we weren't clinical enough to finish them. "There were definitely some good moments. We made some nice breaks and I thought we had some really good momentum in the (Ireland) 22, but just didn't come away with those points.