Coach Declan Kidney said Ireland missed a chance to kill off Wales before losing 23-21 in their opening Six Nations game in Dublin.
"It is extremely disappointing. We had a lead early in the second half but we did not build on it," said Kidney.
"When we do press ahead we have to go for the jugular. We are going to have to look at being more ruthless."
Skipper Paul O'Connell said: "We put ourselves in with a chance to win but we did not close it out."
O'Connell conceded late errors had been Ireland's downfall.
"Two mistakes, one by me and one by Stephen Ferris cost us eight points.
"With five minutes to go, you would have fancied us to win it but we did not take the chance.
"We have them too much of the ball and that is something you cannot do against Wales.
"It is going to be tough, the six-day turnaround for the France game.
"We have the quality and experience but have to put it together for 80 minutes and not play in fits and starts. You cannot do that against quality sides."
