Rhys Priestland says there is “a buzz about the place” as reigning champions Wales prepare to meet title pretenders Ireland in Saturday’s showdown in Dublin.

Although it is only the second weekend of a tournament that does not reach its finale until mid-March, the victors will seriously enhance their championship silverware credentials.

Wales have triumphed in three of the last four meetings against Ireland, including a 2011 World Cup quarter-final success, but Brian O’Driscoll inspired an Irish win on Welsh soil 12 months ago.

“It is a massive challenge, and there is a buzz about the place looking forward to combating whatever Ireland throw at us,” Wales fly-half Priestland said. “It will be hostile there and they will be desperate to stop us going for the third title (in succession), and we are desperate to win it.

“We are looking to test ourselves against a very good Irish team which could have beaten the All Blacks last year. We are under no illusions about how difficult it is going to be, the toughest challenge we will face in the Six Nations, maybe.”

A game laced with sub-plots sees Wales boss Warren Gatland facing the country he used to coach, while emotions remain raw among many Irish supporters after Gatland, in his role as British and Irish Lions head coach, omitted O’Driscoll from last summer’s Test series decider against Australia.

The potential individual battles are also numerous – Priestland against Jonathan Sexton, Mike Phillips versus Conor Murray, Adam Jones against Cian Healy and Sam Warburton opposite Chris Henry among the pick – suggesting it could prove a Test match that lives up to expectations.

“He (Sexton) is a Lions 10 and a fantastic player,” Priestland added. “I have played against him a few times and we know as a squad how dangerous he can be, especially with the understanding he has with O’Driscoll.

“Both back-lines are very talented. Everyone knows how dangerous and powerful our backs can be.”

The Wales squad will head to Dublin with their line-up showing three changes from the Italy game as Jenkins, skipper Warburton and lock Andrew Coombs all gain starts.