Humphreys hails Irish spirit

Humphreys makes another break for Ireland

Ireland fly-half David Humphreys praised his side's character as they bounced back from the disappointment of defeat in Scotland with a comprehensive win against Wales in Cardiff.

Humphreys contributed 19 points with the boot and always looked composed as he launched a seemingly never ending string of Irish attacks.

It was the perfect way for Humphreys to justify his selection after being preferred to Ronan O'Gara.

Said Humphreys: "You saw a lot of very determined people out there.

I think you saw the character of the side coming through

Ireland's David Humphreys

"We knew that after the disappointment against Scotland we had to produce a big performance for everybody involved.

"I think we were all under a lot of pressure - thankfully it came good.

"We were slightly disappointed at half-time. We had a lot of pressure but we hadn't got the points we wanted to get.

"But we said at half-time that we would go out and keep going and knew eventually that the points would come.

"I think Wales came back very well at the start of the second-half, but I think you saw the character of the side coming through.

"A lot of the boys had been in that position before - we just dug in and the points came."

I think we'll enjoy this victory before we come together to prepare for England

David Humphreys

Ireland will now turn their attention to the game against England in Dublin next weekend.

A victory by some 70 points will give Ireland the Six Nations title, but Humphreys admitted that was a distant dream.

He added: "We're not going to start thinking about that.

"I think we'll enjoy this victory before we come together again tomorrow night and Monday morning and then we'll start to prepare for England.

"There's a lot at stake - England are going for a first Grand Slam for a long time.

"But we have to build on today's performance."