Ireland 26 Wales 3: Paul O'Connell delighted with victory but admits there is tougher obstacles to come if they want Six Nations crown

Ireland recorded an impressive victory over the defending champions Wales to make it two out of two and keep their Grand Slam hopes alive

Paul O'Connell grimaces in a ruck during Ireland's 26-3 victory over Wales (GETTY IMAGES)

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell was delighted to see his side make it two wins out of two in the 2014 RBS 6 Nations with a 26-3 victory over Wales but warned of tougher obstacles to come.

Tries from Chris Henry and Paddy Jackson, allied to 14 points from the boot of Johnny Sexton, put Joe Schmidt's men in a strong position heading into a Twickenham meeting with England in two weeks' time.

O'Connell told BBC Sport: "We've got a new set-up under Joe, we're relatively injury-free. Two home games to start as well has been very important.

"We knew it was going to be really tough but we would have been disappointed if we weren't two wins out of two at home, so it gets a lot harder from here on."

The Munster lock added: "I think we did very well in the first half, our discipline was excellent and Johnny Sexton's kicking was excellent.

"I suppose that kept a lot of pressure on Wales and particularly with Johnny's kicking game, with the conditions, if you get a small bit of a lead the other team has to play and it becomes very tough.

"I'm very surprised by the result but it's a very good one for us."

PA