WALES want to put down an immediate marker in terms of their discipline when they face opening World Cup warm-up opponents Ireland tomorrow.

Assistant coach Rob Howley believes it will be a critical element of the World Cup campaign in September and October, when Wales find themselves in the same pool as England and Australia, with only two quarter-final places available.

“We have talked about discipline, and we have asked the players to look back at the first 20 minutes against Ireland in the Six Nations (last season),” he said.

“That sets the standard in terms of accuracy, kicking, handling, defence and, more importantly, discipline. You cannot give away penalties in international rugby, and that is at set-pieces as well as offside.

“We want to give the referee nothing on Saturday to penalise us, because it will be an important factor in the World Cup.”