Full back Rob Kearney admits Ireland must play with the "fear of failure" to ensure they end a 61-year wait to experience Grand Slam glory against defending champions Wales at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow.

This may be the last chance of ultimate European rugby glory for many of the older Irish players such as John Hayes and Brian O'Driscoll and Kearney is desperate to help end the long search for a tangible reward for such a talented generation of stars.

Champions Wales must win by at least 13 points to retain their crown but Kearney insists his side are ready to make history and said: "Potentially, this is a good way to end the season but it could be heartache for us, too. We have to have that fear in our game.

"There can be no such thing as complacency when you are playing Wales in Cardiff. They won the Grand Slam last year so it takes a brave side to be complacent against them.

"We will have that bit of fear in us because we are playing against such a good team. It's important to have that fear as it can bring out the best in you."

Declan Kidney, in his first season as Ireland coach, has given the team more variation but it will be their defensive play that has to be outstanding against a Welsh attack spearheaded by wing Shane Williams, who wants a big finish in front of the Welsh public.

Williams said: ""What better time to play out of your skins against an Irish side that is coming to win the Grand Slam - and take the Grand Slam from us? It's almost a little bit personal."