Warren Gatland is "not that disappointed" with Wales' heavy Six Nations loss to Ireland as he believes his side can improve in every area they are currently lacking.
Ireland lived up to their billing as pre-tournament favourites by racing into a 24-point lead by half-time at the Principality Stadium on their way to a 34-10 victory.
While Wales improved after the break, with Liam Williams' try providing some hope, Ireland never looked under any real threat and earned a first win in Cardiff since 2013.
It meant defeat for Gatland in his first game back as head coach since replacing Wayne Pivac in December, but he is trying to remain positive.
"Strangely I'm not that disappointed," he told BBC Sport. "That's because a lot of things that were disappointing are things that we can fix.
"We spoke at half-time about discipline and line speed in defence and we brought that in the second half.
"We made a slow start, gave away penalties and Ireland created momentum off that. We created opportunities that we should have taken advantage of.
"We had as many entries into the 22 as them, but they came away with points and we missed about three or four tries where we put ourselves in position to score.
"We will take a lot from this, especially the younger players. We will focus on the positives of the second half and how we put pressure on them to create chances.
"Ireland are a very good side. It shows the step up we need to take."
The world's top-ranked side Ireland made a lightning start to the contest, with Caelan Doris' try after 119 seconds his side's third-quickest in a Six Nations match.
James Ryan and James Lowe also crossed over before half-time, while Johnny Sexton added 12 points as Ireland scored 27 first-half points away at Wales for the first time.
Williams gave home supporters something to cling onto when finding a breakthrough, but he was later yellow carded and Josh van der Flier killed off the contest soon after.
Sexton appeared to be left dazed by Williams' hard hit, with concerns over a possible concussion, but Ireland coach Andy Farrell provided a positive update after the game.
"He came off with a dead leg," Farrell told reporters. "We've done a HIA test on him as well, and that's all clear so he's fine."
Ireland dropped off in the second period, but Van der Flier's try secured a bonus point for the visitors to lay down a marker ahead of France's trip to Italy on Sunday.
They have now scored four-plus tries in each of their last four Six Nations matches, their longest such run in Five or Six Nations history.
Farrell's side are aiming to go one better than last year when finishing second to France, though Hugo Keenan is not looking too far ahead.
"We are only taking things one game at a time. We won't get caught up with anything," he told BBC Sport.
"We came out and started really well today, which was really important having not won here for 10 years.
"We probably slipped off a bit in the second half so there's still plenty to work on but we're delighted to get a bonus point and start the Six Nations with a win.
"These are the occasions you want to be part of, in this stadium against a tough side. They're in transition but are always a serious team, especially here."
Cory Hill withdraws from Wales World Cup squad to pursue club offer
Cory Hill has become the latest player to withdraw from Wales’ preliminary World Cup training squad.
The former Cardiff and Dragons lock, who had been playing in Japan, was recalled by Wales head coach Warren Gatland following two years out of Test rugby.
But 31-year-old Hill has pulled out of the squad to pursue a club contract opportunity outside of Wales, the Welsh Rugby Union said.
“I am gutted to be leaving the squad, but an opportunity has come up and I need to take it for my family,” Hill said.
“Wishing the boys all the best at the World Cup, and I hope to be back in a Wales jersey in the future.”
Gatland named a 54-man group last month for the tournament in France later this year.
Lock Alun Wyn Jones, flanker Justin Tipuric and scrum-half Rhys Webb, who have 291 Wales caps between them, subsequently announced their retirements from international rugby.
And Cardiff prop Rhys Carre was then released from the squad after he failed to meet individual performance targets.
The PA news agency understands that Gatland has no plans to call up a replacement for Hill, whose new club want him available for them during the World Cup period in September and October.
Hill made his Wales debut against Australia in 2016, while a 32nd and latest appearance came during the 2021 Six Nations against France.
Gatland’s remaining second-row options in his squad are Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Rhys Davies, Teddy Williams and Christ Tshiunza.
Princess of Wales visits Maidenhead Rugby Club – Wednesday’s sporting social
Sports stars and clubs across the world continue to provide an insight into their lives on social media.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the best examples from June 7.
Rugby Union
A royal visit to Maidenhead Rugby Club.
Cricket
There was excitement around Moeen Ali’s decision to answer England’s Ashes call.
Stuart Broad likes wine.
Football
Pants malfunction.
Mesut Ozil marked his wedding anniversary.
Leah Williamson took over the camera.
Wayne Rooney promoted Soccer Aid.
Tom Cairney accepted his award.
Tennis
Serena Williams and her daughter posed for the camera.
Boxing
Tyson Fury was hard at it.
Adam Idah relishing competition at club and country as he eyes Ireland impact
Adam Idah will head into Euro 2024 qualifier battle with Greece and Gibraltar grateful for both the help and competition provided by two strikers at opposite ends of their careers.
The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland frontman has spent much of the last four seasons fighting Teemu Pukki for a place in the Norwich starting line-up, and now faces a major challenge from Brighton’s teenage sensation Evan Ferguson on the international front.
However Idah, who made his Canaries debut as an 18-year-old and won his first senior cap for Ireland a little more than a year later, has not been daunted by either battle.
Asked about Pukki’s influence on his fledgling career as the 33-year-old Finland international prepares to leave Norwich this summer, he said: “Teemu was massive to me since I came in.
“When I first came to Norwich I wasn’t playing many games, and I was really frustrated, but he helped me through that.
“Looking back now, it was stupid of me to be frustrated as he was scoring all these goals, but even off the pitch he helped me, (showing me) what to do outside of football.
“On the pitch, he was fantastic. He’s a great player to look up to with all the goals he has scored in championships and the Premier League. He is a great professional.”
Pukki’s impending exit after scoring 88 goals in 210 appearances over his five years at Carrow Road presents Idah with an opportunity next season, with boss David Wagner needing to plug a sizeable gap, and it is one he is determined to take.
He said: “Every new season is a big opportunity for me. Obviously it was difficult – when he was at Norwich, he was the main man and next season is going to be a big one for me to try to get myself in the team.
“But I think me and the manager know it’s going to be a good opportunity for me to try to become the main striker at Norwich. I just have to be the best I can to get in.”
In the meantime, Idah’s task is to force his way into Stephen Kenny’s team for the trip to Athens on June 16 and Gibraltar’s visit to Dublin three days later, a process which has become more difficult as a result of Ferguson’s breakthrough season in the Premier League.
The 18-year-old made 19 league appearances and scored six goals as the Seagulls secured European football for the first time in the club’s history, and also opened his senior international account – something Idah is yet to do – in March’s 3-2 friendly win over Latvia.
Speaking from Ireland’s warm-weather training camp in Antalya, Turkey, Idah said: “He’s had an unbelievable season at Brighton. In every team, you need some friendly competition for all of us.
“There’s not just Evan, there’s five of us forwards all chasing for the same spot and I think we’re all doing everything in the right way. We help each other achieve in the right way to the best we can.
“Whoever starts in any game, I think we all support each other and try to do the best we can. That’s what so good about this team – there’s no ego in this team and we all try to help each other.”
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