Simon Easterby calls on Ireland to make discipline a priority in Six Nations

Defence coach Simon Easterby admits discipline is at the forefront of Ireland’s minds after last year’s Guinness Six Nations campaign was derailed by a costly red card.

The Irish were on the back foot just 14 minutes into the 2021 championship following Peter O’Mahony’s damaging dismissal in the 21-16 defeat to eventual winners Wales in Cardiff.

Title aspirations evaporated with a narrow 15-13 loss to France a week later but Andy Farrell’s in-form side have not been beaten since.

Ireland once again begin the tournament against the Welsh and Easterby says it is critical players remain in control and within the law.

“Yeah, it’s crucial,” he said, ahead of Saturday’s sold-out clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

“I think every team would see discipline as being right at the top of the agenda in terms of getting it right yourselves, forcing opposition to give you field position or chances to kick points through their indiscipline, so it’s certainly at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

“We have to work with the officials, players have a responsibility to do things in a legal manner; the game is tough enough these days without guys having to do things outside of normal.

I think every team would see discipline as being right at the top of the agenda- Simon Easterby

“Those mistakes and those unfortunate times when a player gets his tackle entry wrong, or clean out entry wrong, or there’s a challenge in the air, players and coaches try as much as we can to educate and try to mitigate and try to reduce the amount of chances of those things coming back to bite you.

“It’s certainly at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”

O’Mahony became the first Ireland player to be sent off in a Six Nations match following a reckless shoulder-led