'The best part of our game by a country mile is our defence' - Farrell delighted with bonus point start

Andy Farrell says he's "delighted" with the nature of Ireland's 29-7 bonus point win against Wales in the Guinness Six Nations.

And while Ireland's attack once again looked varied and dangerous, the head coach says it was built from a defensive foundation, which he claims is their biggest strength "by a country mile".

The hosts came within five minutes of shutting out Wales at the Aviva Stadium, which would have been a first for them in the Six Nations, before a sloppy Tadhg Beirne pass was intercepted by Taine Basham who scored the consolation try.

And while Farrell says that try was the one black mark on their performance, he added that their overall defensive showing was outstanding.

"That was the most unpleasing thing about our performance, we got a bit loose," he said.

"It looked as though we was just trying to keep playing for the sake of playing. We didn't manage that particular part that well and the looseness ended up with a Welsh try.

"It wasn't how we had defended before that because our defence was good and it's something we really pride ourselves on.

"People are talking about the way we're playing the game at the moment but the best part of our game by a country mile is our defence."

As well as their defence, Ireland's discipline gave them the platform for entry into the Welsh 22, with 54 minutes played by the time they conceded their first penalty.

"It was great, it was something that we constantly talk about," Farrell added, when asked about their ability to stay on the right side of the referee.

"Our discipline and decision making was great, discipline doesn't just count for penalties, it counts for how you play your own game as well and it was pretty good across the board.

"There's plenty to work on as well.

"We're