The Welsh captain has said the side need to “toughen up” ahead of Wales’ first home game of the Six Nations tournament on Saturday.
The Irish team dominated last year’s tournament as Wales go into the match with 14 consecutive defeats which led to the exit of Warren Gatland.
It will be Matt Sherratt’s first game in charge as he made eight changes to the side for the clash.
In a press conference, captain Jac Morgan said, “We’re going to have to toughen up.”
“We’re always motivated to go out on the field, we never go out to not give 100%. It’s always an honour to put the jersey on and hopefully tomorrow we can make people proud. Everyone’s writing us off so it’s an opportunity to prove people wrong.”
“We’re disappointed by the run but it’s not through lack of effort. After last week with Matt coming in, we feel re-energised and refreshed. Matt bringing in his style of play and what he wants this week has been good.”
It has been more than two years since Wales last won an international game at the Principality Stadium. When asked if he really thinks this is the game to break that mould, Morgan said, “Hopefully so, it’s an international game and anything can happen on the day. We know how tough Ireland are going to be.
“It’s going to be a very tough challenge and we’re going to have to front up.”
Sherratt was questioned about comments made in the Irish media suggesting that they could beat Wales even if Ireland were playing with only 12 men.
He responded, “I learned the first time I did this job. I was referred to as an ‘unknown little Englishman’, so I deleted my social media. I haven’t seen any of that. Cardiff is a hostile place to come and there are players desperate to represent their country.”
Sherratt has overhauled the team, handing starts to Gareth Anscombe and recent call-up Max Llewellyn.
One player with a certain spark in his eye at the Captain’s Run this morning was the young Scarlets winger, Ellis Mee, who is also ready to make his debut.
Saturday’s game also sees Tommy Reffell coming in at openside flanker, with captain Jac Morgan making room by shifting across to the blindside.
Wales v Ireland kicks off in the Principality Stadium on Saturday at 2.15pm with live coverage on BBC One.