Robin McBryde is hopeful that Wales can build on their recent performances when they take on Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday afternoon.
An opening-game defeat against England saw the Red Dragons get their quest for Six Nations glory off to the worst possible start in front of their own fans, although victories over Scotland and France in their last two outings have ensured that they head into their meeting with Ireland with everything still to play for.
Wales have named an unchanged side for their must-win clash at the Millennium Stadium, and compared to the disrupted build-up prior to the England game, assistant coach McBryde believes that preparations have been far smoother this time around.
"We've built a little bit of momentum as an attacking unit," he told reporters. "We got better in the Scotland game and likewise in the France game which is what we had to build on really. It's a big vote of confidence for the pack with no changes. It's a case of keeping the momentum going and building on those performances.
"We've taken everything on board and preparations this week have been a lot sharper with a lot more intensity. We are a lot happier with the way that we have prepared. Warren [Gatland] told the group on Wednesday that our work as coaches is pretty much over and done with, it's now all about the players' attitudes from this point in.
"That's allowed the coaches to take a backwards step and given the leaders in the group their time to speak and set the standards for training - it's been a pleasure to watch them this week."
Wales follow up their meeting against Ireland with a trip to face Italy in the final round of Six Nations fixtures, while Ireland tackle Scotland at Murrayfield.
Daniel Lewis
