Ireland play down rugby clash with England
Coach Declan Kidney says team still have plenty of work to do after their impressive Wales win
Ireland coach Declan Kidney has refused to brand next week's clash with England in Dublin as a grand-slam showdown despite victory over Wales.
Ireland overcame a major hurdle in their pursuit of only a second title in 28 years with an emphatic 30-22 win over the defending Six Nations champions in Cardiff.
And with both England and France to travel to Dublin, next week's clash could prove the first significant step towards a grand slam for both Kidney and England counterpart Stuart Lancaster.
However, Kidney played down the significance of the England game, admitting Ireland still have areas to improve after their second-half display at the Millennium Stadium.
"I don't buy into the thought that the slam is now on because we have England and France at home this year because that suggests we should not bother every other year, as we have no chance," Kidney said.
"The second half against Wales [which Ireland lost 19-7] proves we still have a lot of work to do.
"England and France are playing well and we still have to go to Murrayfield, where we lost the last time we were there."