Osborne has adapted to the full-back position after starting at centre with Leinster [Getty Images]

Jamie Osborne says he and his Ireland’s team-mates “can’t kick loosely” against Wales’ danger men in Friday’s Six Nations clash in Dublin [20:10 GMT].

Despite the Welsh heading into the game without a win in this year’s championship, Steve Tandy’s side produced a much improved performance in the 26-23 defeat by Scotland in round three, having previously been well beaten by England and France.

While Ireland will go into the fixture as heavy favourites following their 42-21 win over England a Twickenham, the mood music in Andy Farrell’s camp is one of caution.

They suffered their own heavy defeat by France and although they saw off Italy in round two, it was far from perfect and Osborne is aware a slip in standards will spell trouble with the full-back identifying his opposite number Louis Rees-Zammit as one major threat that must be shut down.

“A lot of their game runs through Tomos Williams so it will be important for us to try and stop him,” the 24-year-old told reporters in Dublin on Tuesday.

“Then if you look at Louis Rees-Zammit in broken play, he’s beaten so many defenders in the tournament already and will be a threat, so you can’t kick loosely.

“After England, everyone feels a bit better about themselves but it’s important not to get too far ahead of ourselves as the first game in France didn’t go too well, so it doesn’t mean we’re a completely different team two weeks later.”

Osborne feels his run of games at full-back for Ireland has helped him grow into the number 15 jersey and enjoys the facets of the position.

“The aerial and kicking game is a big part of the game at the moment,” Osborne continued.

“There are a lot of contests and we, as a back three, have really been going after that in the Six Nations. The progress from Paris to Twickenham has been really good in that area and it really suits my game.”