Ireland winger Tommy Bowe has thanked coach Declan Kidney for turning around his RBS 6 Nations campaign in the win over England.
Bowe stole the show at Twickenham with two tries in the 20-16 victory to finally open his account in this year’s tournament.
The Ospreys star’s confidence was dwindling after he had been a virtual spectator in the win over Italy and defeat to France but after Kidney’s intervention he took his international tally to 13 tries in 28 appearances.
The 26-year-old will face several club team-mates when Ireland welcome Wales to Croke Park this weekend and Bowe can’t wait to get back to action.
“Not many coaches would spot that I was trying too hard but that’s one of Declan’s main strengths,” said Bowe.
“You don’t like being pulled aside by the head coach in front of everyone but he wanted a quiet word and told me to relax.
“I didn’t think I’d done that badly in the first two games but I was very, very frustrated.
“And I know people like Andrew Trimble and Shane Horgan are breathing down my neck – I just want to keep as much distance between us as possible.”