LOCK Adam Beard hopes his homework with Dragons captain Cory Hill can help Wales get the better of lineout experts Ireland in the bid for a Grand Slam, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Ospreys forward will be calling the shots at the set piece in the red-hot atmosphere of Principality Stadium.

The 23-year-old will partner captain Alun Wyn Jones in the bid for a Six Nations clean sweep with Jake Ball as the second row back-up.

That is because of Hill’s ankle injury suffered when scoring the crucial try against England in round three.

However, the Dragons man was invited to stay in camp to be a mentor for Beard with the Osprey grateful to have a helping hand.

“Fair play, Cory has been quality after staying in camp,” said the 6ft 8ins lock. “He is a great operator and leader at the lineout.

“I’ve been running the lineout, so for him to stay back and go through opposition ball to help me out has been great.

“I’ve been on the laptops every day, looking at the opposition and how they defend and attack.

“Ireland have athletic forwards with Peter O’Mahony, James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne has come into the mix.

“It’s going to be a big task against them, and one we are looking forward to.

“In the Six Nations so far the lineout hasn’t been at its best and we take that personally. We’ve got one more chance for a big statement.”