With some members of the Triple Crown holders' pack nearing the end of their Test careers, speculation has been mounting that the Millennium Stadium appointment could be the current squad's last match together.

The 26-19 defeat by France on Saturday ended Ireland's Grand Slam dream and raised doubts over the future of a side which has produced one of the most successful periods in the nation's rugby history.

Victory over Wales - who are gunning for their own tournament clean sweep - would mark a fitting Test farewell in Irish colours for veterans such as Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan and Anthony Foley.

But O'Connell, at 25 the second youngest member of Ireland's pack, insists the subject has not been raised and blamed the talk on his side's transformation into serious title contenders.

He said: ''There may be one or two guys maximum who are looking at their last shout, but I don't think anyone has thought about retiring.

''Just because of one loss everyone looks at the side as if it's going to break up.

''That's strange and there's certainly no motivation to be had from the idea of people retiring because there's been no discussion of that happening so far.

''I guess it's all part of the expectation which now surrounds this team - we lose to France by seven points and there is a big outcry over it.

''That doesn't bother us though. It's the pressure we want and it comes with being a good team.

''Hopefully we can deal with that pressure and turn it around against Wales.''