WALES can flex their muscles in World Cup year by claiming a huge scalp to rival that of South Africa at the Millennium Stadium this afternoon.

Ireland – third in the world rankings and on a run of 10 straight Test wins – head to Cardiff looking to move to the brink of a Six Nations Grand Slam.

They will be led by talisman Paul O'Connell on his 100th cap and have one of the shrewdest coaches on the planet at the helm in Joe Schmidt, who masterminded a comprehensive 26-3 win when the sides met in Dublin last year.

With Wales finishing the tournament in Rome next Saturday, this is a last chance for Warren Gatland's men to show that they will be a force to be reckoned with at England 2015.

Last November they ended their long six-year, 22-game losing streak against the southern hemisphere big three by edging out the Springboks 12-6 and this afternoon they will need to show the same power, determination, resolve and tactical nous against the well-drilled Irish in what promises to be a tense afternoon.

"It probably would be one of the best wins that we would have had in recent years," said Sam Warburton, who captains Wales for a record 34th time.

"Ireland have been so good of late and are so difficult to play against. If we win then it would be up there with beating South Africa in the autumn."

Wales haven't gone through a Six Nations campaign without a home win since 2003 and, after being out-smarted by England in the tournament opener, won't want to come up short against their visitors, who flanker Dan Lydiate has labelled as favourites.

"We're underdogs going into this one as Ireland are the in-form team (in Europe) at the moment and are unbeaten in the championship but we are really looking forward to the challenge," said the blindside.

After today there are four more fixtures before Wales open up their World Cup campaign against Uruguay in Cardiff yet this is the last change for Warburton and Co to show their credentials in a proper, full-blooded Test between big guns.