Ireland unchanged for Welsh

With players like Anthony Foley, Reggie Corrigan, Girvan Dempsey and Shane Byrne in the twilight of their careers, the time has come for a re-think.

"It's a reasonable proposition to think this might be the last time we see this squad together," said O'Sullivan.

"Age means some players are nearing the end of their Test careers."

Someone tell me the future's bright From Ziggy Have your say on Scrum V

With the next World Cup taking place in 2007, O'Sullivan will be looking to blend new faces into the team from next season.

"After the Lions tour it will be time for less experienced players to make the transition into Test rugby,'' he said.

''But we have to make sure the players we are bringing in are better than who we have at the moment."

Several new faces are expected to be on Ireland's summer tour to Japan which runs parallel with the Lions trip.

To win in Cardiff, in front of what is going to be a partisan Welsh crowd, is a massive challenge Eddie O'Sullivan

Ireland can still win the Six Nations title if they defeat Wales by more than 13 points and have an excellent chance of retaining their Triple Crown given their proud 22-year unbeaten record in Cardiff.

"Wales have played the rugby of the championship - they've been outstanding right the way through, especially in attack where they have torn sides to shreds," said O'Sullivan.

"They are on a roll and confidence is very high. Wales have always had fantastic footballers.

"It's their national sport and at the moment they're playing like there's no tomorrow. We all had it in the back of our minds at the start of the championship that Wales were the danger team.

"To win in Cardiff, in front of what is going to be a partisan Welsh crowd, is a massive challenge.