Dan Lydiate expects another fierce battle when Wales and Ireland renew their intense rivalry next Saturday.

Wales head to Dublin having won three of the last four meetings, including a 2011 World Cup quarter-final triumph. It launches the pivotal phase of Wales’ Six Nations campaign, with the match against Ireland followed by France in Cardiff and England at Twickenham.

“The last few games against Ireland have been real battles, and I expect it to be the same this time,” Wales flanker Lydiate said. “The match will probably hinge on a couple of incidents that could swing either way.

“After the Lions tour there are a lot of Irish boys you are friendly with. I am playing at Racing Metro now with (Ireland fly-half) Johnny Sexton, so I am really looking forward to coming up against him.

“I am sure there will be a few texts in the week and some banter.”

With Wales captain Sam Warburton successfully beginning his comeback from injury through a second-half cameo against Italy on Saturday, head coach Warren Gatland looks set to recall him for the Ireland mission.

It would mean either Lydiate or Justin Tipuric dropping out if Gatland starts his skipper.

“Sam has been out a while. It’s good to see him back on the field,” Lydiate added. “We have got two world-class sevens now, and ‘Tips’ has been on fire all season. I have played with both of them, and they have played together as well, which they did so well last season.

“The coaches are spoilt for choice at the moment.”