Cockbain's culinary skills have been tested in the Welsh camp

"We've been eating ham and bread in toasted sandwiches, but it was a bit dry last week," said Cockbain.

"I thought they'd appreciate a bit of gooseberry chutney from my allotment, so I brought it in for the boys.

"I enjoy making chutney and jam, it's an outlet from rugby. You have to be able to switch off."

If Ireland think the Australian-born lock is a soft touch after his kitchen experiences, they could be in for a rude awakening when he makes his first Lansdowne Road appearance on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Queenslander appreciates the role he has to play in the side, and was widely credited with giving the Welsh pack a harder edge against Scotland last week.

Robert Sidoli alongside me has been playing very well when he's been fit Brent Cockbain

"We've got a good bunch of blokes in the squad and we have fun, but when you cross that white line onto the pitch attitudes change," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"I feel I'm a physical player, good in the tight, and I'm starting to improve my mobility and agility.

"There's a lot of competition in the second row, and Sid (Robert Sidoli) alongside me has been playing very well when he's been fit.

"The line-out is one of the things we need to improve from the Scotland game, but we'll be a lot sharper come Sunday."

Cockbain bursting for off

Cockbain had looked forward to the Scotland game as the fulfilment of a childhood dream, and he says that the occasion did not disappoint.

"The noise was fantastic, it was something special to run round in that stadium," he said.

"I'd thought about what it would be like all week, and if I hadn't had that preparation it could have got to me.

"The first 20 minutes against Scotland were superb, but we need to maintain that pace on the ball for the whole match against Ireland.

"Ireland are a great side and we can't afford to slacken off against them."