Wales head to Dublin to kick off the Six Nations Championship as underdogs against and Irish side full of confidence.
Andy Farrell's men beat the All Blacks last autumn and the provinces have been flying in Europe, while Wales have an almighty injury crisis to contend with.
All signs point to it being a tough afternoon for Wayne Pivac's side but they've been written off all week and maybe that will spur them on to something special.
Here's how the two teams compare on paper ahead of kick off...
Hugo Keenan 8 v 8 Liam Williams
At his best, Williams is somewhere close to the best full-back in the world but lack of game time in recent months has led to some fluctuating form. Keenan is an extremely dangerous runner in the open field and can finish with the best of them.
Andrew Conway 7 v 9 Louis Rees-Zammit
The young Welshman put the rugby world on red alert yesterday by claiming he is even faster than last season. Is in stunning form and is Wales' biggest threat. Conway can finish when put in space but is not as potent as his opposite man.
Garry Ringrose 8 v 8 Josh Adams
Adams is the better of the two players when they are operating in their preferred roles but we know very little about him as an outside centre option so it's tough to mark. Ringrose is a tricky customer and has a wonderful subtlety to his game.
Bundee Aki 8 v 8 Nick Tompkins
There will be nothing subtle about what Aki brings to the party and it's up to Tompkins to live with that. But his form has improved since returning to his parent club, Saracens. Out to prove a point after struggling in Dublin two years ago.
Mack Hansen 7 v 7 Johnny McNicholl
McNicholl would rather be at full-back and that's where he looks his most threatening, with performances in the autumn being his best for Wales. Remains a concern defensively. Hansen is new on the scene but if he can transfer over his form for Connacht, he'll be one to watch.
Johnny Sexton 9 v 9 Dan Biggar
Two wily operators going at it and both know each other very well. Biggar is close to playing the best rugby of his career and Sexton is pivotal to Ireland. The game will be decided up front but this battle will also be very significant.
Jamison Gibson-Park 7 v 7 Tomos Williams
Williams has now emerged as Wales' first choice scrum-half and it's time for him to consolidate his position. Has to show control because he won't have it all his own way. Big show of faith from Andy Farrell to start Gibson-Park, who needs to be watched carefully, ahead of Conor Murray.
Andrew Porter 8 v 7 Tomas Francis
Francis is in a constant state of evolution as he tries to grow his game in the loose but his set piece work is up there with the best. That will be put to the test in a big way by Porter, a mountain of a man who carries with alarming power.
Ronan Kelleher 8 v 7 Ryan Elias
Elias' recent Wales performances have been his best but he, like his Scarlets team-mates, is short of game time since the autumn. Lineout work will be put to the test. Kelleher is a complete hooker and is, clearly, at at the heart of their impressive set piece.
Tadhg Furlong 9 v 8 Wyn Jones
The Welsh loose-head has had something of a tumultuous time since the Lions tour. Injuries and lack of game time led to a dip in form and him being dropped. Will need to be at his very best, though, as Furlong is arguably the best tight-head in the game. The absolute complete package.
Tadhg Beirne 9 v 8 Adam Beard
Beard is maturing into a world class lock and his work at the lineout will have to be imperious. His sizeable frame could also be very useful on the gain line. In Beirne, Ireland have one of the most athletic locks in the world and he's an absolute pest at the breakdown.
James Ryan 8 v 7 Will Rowlands
Like Beard, Rowlands will be crucial in terms of getting Wales over the gain line. His carries must dent the defence to get the Welsh backs on the front foot. Ryan will be out to prove a point after being overlooked for Lions honours. Despite that omission, he remains an outstanding all-round lock.
Caelan Doris 8 v 8 Ellis Jenkins
Jenkins is unperturbed by question marks over his place in the side but will need a big performance with Ross Moriarty coming back to fitness. If he is at his best at the breakdown, it gives Wales a chance. Doris is a slightly more traditional blindside and will provide plenty of grunt.
Josh van der Flier 8 v 8 Taine Basham
An intriguing battle on the openside with two real tearaway sevens. Basham, like Jenkins, must be a pain at the breakdown but will also have to get Wales on the front foot with his trademark carries. His opposite man has an all-court game and will go through mountains of unseen work.
Jack Conan 8 v 7 Aaron Wainwright
Wainwright is still developing into a Test level No.8 and all the signs are that he is well on his way to becoming established in the position, possessing all the attributes to do so. Conan is already there. The Irishman will be more destructive but Wainwright can cause problems with his athleticism.
Ireland: 120
Wales: 116
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