By Nick Purewal, Press Association
Published: 12:52 GMT, 21 February 2019 | Updated: 12:52 GMT, 21 February 2019
View
comments
Jack Conan has revealed Ireland spent their first Six Nations down week getting back to basics in a bid to recapture the edge that underpinned their stellar 2018.
The Leinster back-row forward believes Joe Schmidt's men are already reaping the benefits of a period of fine-tuning in a week without the need to analyse an upcoming opponent.
Head coach Schmidt could well now select a strong line-up for Sunday's Guinness Six Nations trip to Italy, to seize momentum from that extended training stint.
Jack Conan revealed that Ireland have spent their time off getting back to basics
The No 8 says his side looked inward and reflected during the rest week in the Six Nations
Johnny Sexton is expected to start at fly-half, with Ireland hunting a performance worthy of their world number-two status.
'I think the rest week gave us a good opportunity to go back to our basics, without having to focus on another side,' said Conan.
'Going up against England or Scotland, the whole week is trying to get your own detail sorted and then worrying about what they're doing.
'The off weeks are a chance to look inward and to try to improve what we're doing. I think there's been a lot of growth last week and even the start of this week.
'We're in a good spot and looking forward to a
