JACK Conan claims that ref Mathieu Raynal has admitted he got some scrum decisions wrong that went against Ireland at Twickenham.
Raynal awarded six penalties and a free kick against the Irish scrum on what was a very difficult day for the pack.
Experienced props Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong both complained to the French official during Ireland's bonus point victory that England were illegally taking an advantage, with loosehead Ellis Genge hinging at the set-piece.
"There were a lot of talking points and lessons learned from the weekend," said Conan.
"The referee has come back and said a few decisions went against us when they shouldn’t have.
"But that’s rugby and those things happen. It’s always a good learning curve and we’ll be better for it.
"I know the lads in the front row pride themselves around their bits in the scrum so they were pretty disheartened about it.
"But it will just make us better this weekend for it and I think they are excited for the challenge and to right the few wrongs from Twickenham and end on a high."
Conan is one of three changes to the side from last week - he came off the bench to strong effect against England and scored a vital third try to put the contest beyond the 14 men.
After making way for Peter O'Mahony in the last two games, he is restored to no 8, and Caelan Doris switches back to no 6.
"Every game at home is special but with the opportunity to win a bit of silverware, first time in a long time, especially the weekend that’s in it, Paddy’s Day today, tomorrow off, the country will be on a bit of a buzz, we’re looking to go out on a bit of a high and give everyone something to celebrate," said the Leinster back row.
"I know the lads are incredibly excited to be in the position we are in."
Asked if the players marked St Patrick's Day, Conan smiled: "I think a few of the country lads were out marching around the parade earlier on - Dave Kilcoyne was trying to get out on a float.
"No, the lads are thinking about prepping for the game and there hasn’t been anyone enjoying the spectacles.
"I think Conor Murray had his face painted walking up and down Grafton Street but other than that lads are a bit more worried about the game!".
