Kiss: Ireland can adapt at breakdown

Les Kiss says Ireland's penalty count will go down as they adjust to a new law interpretation at the breakdown.

Ireland's penalty count soared to 16 conceded against Wales and they were penalised on several occasions for failing to release the tackled player before attempting turnovers by referee Craig Joubert.

That re-emphasis of an aspect of the game's Laws came as a surprise to some players but the defence coach expects Ireland to adjust to it in future.

He told RTÉ Sport's Michael Corcoran: 'No-one wants the penalty count that high but slight variations in the interpretation of law have probably raised the penalty profile across the board in the last week or two.

'It has certainly that way in the Super 14: penalty counts have been a bit higher and getting lower as they get used to the laws. There maybe a couple more than we would like and there are some areas that we can control and some areas that we have to front up with our discipline and not give away a couple of silly ones.

'If we can reduce it by three or four then we are in a lot better place.'

Ireland expect a hard game against Scotland, who have played in four tight games so far although Andy Robinson's men only have a draw against England to show for their efforts to date.

Kiss said: 'They have been a little unlucky in not getting a few more tries. They have got a stoic nature to their game: they just keep turning in. (Graham) Steadman has done a great job with their defence.

'We really have to make sure we make the try-scoring opportunities and that we finish, which we have been recently. Hopefully we can keep that up. We are expecting an extremely tough battle.'

Kiss also confirmed that Ireland should have Gordon D'Arcy available for the Scottish clash and the centre played a full part in yesterday's training session.