The men in green have been on the wrong end of the penalty count in each of their three matches so far, limping to victory over Italy in their opener before losing narrowly to France in round two despite outscoring Les Bleus three tries to one.

Ireland were almost made to pay again last time out as Scotland kicked themselves back into a match where they never looked like scoring, Ireland eventually scraping through 21-18.

And O’Callaghan, who was responsible for one of the penalties conceded against France, was part of the squad who received an ear bashing from Kidney.

“Everyone probably knows Declan as a nice man who is really calm and composed but he let fly on Tuesday,” said O’Callaghan, whose place has been under threat from Leinster captain Leo Cullen.

“Whoever was in on our meeting wouldn't want to be on the end of a silly penalty this weekend.

“It has been a while since he lost his temper. I can remember one or two with Munster, but it's fair to say he was fairly annoyed.

“You could see it's the main man calling the shots and guys don't want to reoffend.”