Much like the senior outfit, Wales were made to pay for a first-half horror show in which they conceded 17 points inside 20 minutes despite a stirring second-half comeback.

Ireland’s first try came within 18 seconds as Matthew Jarvis did not get away his clearing kick quickly enough and the visitors would never recover from that hammer blow as their Championship hopes were ended at Dubarry Park.

And Davies has demanded his outfit play some smarter rugby in their final game against Italy at Cardiff Arms Park.

He said: “Tactically we weren’t as smart as we could have been. We need to look after the ball a lot more and a lot better and become more clinical.

“I am disappointed for the players, but they showed a lot of endeavour and effort to come back in the second half.”