The Irish might have moved up to No 2 in the world rankings after beating Wales 35-21 in Cardiff three weeks earlier, but they ran into a completely different prospect in Dublin. This was a much more experienced side that proved the 2011 World Cup semi-finalists are once again well prepared for a major onslaught at rugby's biggest title.

A try from the magnificent Justin Tipuric, who was named as the Man of the Match, and the boot of Leigh Halfpenny brought to an end an Irish winning streak of nine home wins that stretched back to 2 February, 2014.

Even though Wales led for most of the match, and held a six point cushion in the second half, it took some brave defence at the death to deny the Irish a win, Aaron Jarvis and Leigh Halfpenny combining to deny Sean Cronin in injury time as he crossed the Welsh line at the posts.

The replacement hooker was turned on his back as he crossed the line and stopped from grounding the ball, TMO Graham Hughes confirming it was 'no try' and bringing the game to a dramatic end.

Wales seized the initiative from the start and powered in a 10-0 lead after 26 minutes. Both teams showed glimpses of ambition in the opening exchanges, let down in part by inevitable signs of rustiness. Ireland wing Simon Zebo and Wales centre Scott Williams both making early breaks.

Gatland will have been delighted with the start made by new prop Tomas Francis, who began his Test debut with a series of strong displays at the scrums. On the back of a solid set-piece, Wales mounted a series of attacks and Ireland's usual discipline abandoned them.

Halfpenny opened the scoring with an 18th penalty before Tipuric scored for the second game in a row against Ireland. Irish captain O'Connell was warned by referee Craig Joubert's for his team's mounting penalty count and Ken Owens twice went close as Wales maintained the pressure.

Their persistence paid off at a third lineout drive that saw backs join forwards and Tipuric got the crucial touch for the game's first try on 25 minutes, converted by Halfpenny. Johnny Sexton clawed back three points just moments later but it was not until the stroke of half-time that Ireland levelled the scores.

Wales appeared to have cleared the danger when the outstanding Tipurc claimed another turnover. But his back-row colleague Taulupe Faletau lost possession to allow Ireland another chance as the half ticked into additional time.

Peter O'Mahony made the initial burst and lock Iain Henderson was on-hand, crashing through Dan Biggar and Williams before stretching out to score despite the challenge of Owens. Sexton converted to tie the scores but strike a timely psychological blow. The second half was a far tighter affair that was marred by injuries for both teams.

Jamie Roberts suffered a heavy knock in a mid-air collision with Rob Kearney and was forced off 10 minutes later having failed to latch onto Halfpenny's kick through. Sean O'Brien was ruled to have been held up over the try-line by the video official.

There was more bad news for Ireland when Earls was carried off with his neck in a brace on 64 minutes.

Halfpenny scored with a second penalty when play resumed and added a third but only after Wales survived an injury scare of their own when Alun Wyn Jones twisted his knee. Jones recovered and Wales held out for a telling result.