Ireland defence coach Les Kiss is expecting an all-out attacking approach from Wales on Saturday, claiming: “I cannot see them holding back.” Wales head into the RBS 6 Nations clash at Croke Park as joint leading tryscorers in this season’s championship alongside France. Seven touchdowns in three games has showcased their ability with ball in hand. But seven tries conceded – including three interceptions – represents the tournament’s worst defensive record this term, and is a major reason why Wales seem destined for mid-table mediocrity rather than stacking up as serious title contenders. Given Wales’ first-half implosions in contributing towards sizeable interval deficits against England, Scotland and France, a more conservative outlook could underpin their Dublin game-plan. Kiss though, is having none of it. “I would be extremely surprised if Wales change their approach,” he said. “I think they will go for it. The type of players who are throwing those (interception) passes are guys who base their games on instinct and try to find an edge to take the opposition apart. I can’t see them holding back. Yes, there is some risk in the style they play, but I think they are committed to that style. From their perspective, they probably don’t want to go to lineouts. It is something I think they will be very wary of – it is a strength of ours.” Ireland forwards coach Gert Smal, meanwhile, today talked up Munster prop Tony Buckley. Buckley’s contribution off the bench during a 20-16 victory over England at Twickenham two weeks ago proved pivotal towards Ireland closing out the win. Buckley is again among the replacements this weekend, but Smal believes an eventual successor to Hayes – at 29, Buckley is seven years younger – might have been discovered. “If you look at the England game and the things Tony Buckley did when he came on, he had a huge impact,” said South African Smal. “In terms of him as a player, I have a lot of confidence. I think he could become one of the best tightheads in the world. I like his size. He gives you a lot of height in the lineouts and weight in the scrums. He looks very calm off the field, and sometimes calm when he plays, but he has that trip-switch where he can climb into the opposition and counter-ruck three or four guys off the ball. That’s what you need. He can take over from John, and he is at the stage now where he can start kicking on.”