Keith Earls bagged a brace of tries to sink Wales, either side of a Tomas O’Leary strike in a comprehensive victory at Croke Park.
And Kidney reckons his side can clinch their fifth crown in seven years against the Scots in Dublin. Kidney said: “For many years we were not winning anything. But now we have the chance to win the Triple Crown.
“That game against Scotland next week will be like a cup final. We know what we have to do and it sets the game up nicely. It will also be a send off for Croke Park. It’s been a great place for us to play while Lansdowne Road is being built.”
Wales boss Gatland said: “I’m disappointed with the result but take nothing away from Ireland. They were very good and clinical. They took their chances very well. We had more territory and possession but turnovers have been costly. They kept the ball well and took the chances.
“The yellow card was very costly in the game. The most disappointing aspect is we haven’t learnt our lesson from the England game and from a coaching point of view it’s extremely frustrating.”
