Garry Ringrose says he will be have to be wary of the unknown when dealing with his opposite number Josh Adams against Wales on Saturday (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).
The Ireland centre will partner Bundee Aki in midfield for the opening Guinness Six Nations game against the defending champions at the Aviva Stadium.
Wales have chosen Josh Adams at outside centre, moving him away from his traditional position on the wing, where he has scored 18 tries in 32 games.
And while Ringrose has come face to face with Adams on several occasions, he says he will have to be on guard for how he approaches the new position.
"I guess there's an element of unpredictability and maybe a fear factor from that perspective because there's not huge amounts of tape to watch on him playing at 13.
"However, there is that relationship between the 13 and the winger and how they defend, especially with how teams are defending nowadays, someone who can defend on the wing like he can, it will be no problem in the centre for him I'm sure.
"There's that bit of fear factor of what to be ready for but that's always the case in terms of my own preparations in terms of how Wales' attacking shape and defensive shape is on a bigger picture level, then figuring out how he fits into that, as well as his individual traits and what he's going to bring.
"That's the challenge on my front. He knows his way to the whitewash, especially in the Six Nations so that's at the forefront of my mind."
Ireland enter this year's Six Nations on an eight-game winning run, and are heavy favourites to win against an injury hit Welsh side this Saturday.
However, just 12 months ago a similarly depleted Wales team beat Ireland in Cardiff, before Farrell's side fell to a defeat against France seven days later.
Ringrose says the squad have developed a lot in the past year though, as they get to grips to their new gameplan.
"We're a lot more comfortable and familiar with it.
"You have to go through the tougher days as a group to come out the other end, grow, and be better. We did that and we've had a few successful days that we've grown from as a result.
"The challenges won't stop coming and other teams have probably grown and evolved from 12 months ago as well.
"We have definitely taken a step forward but now we'll look to see what we can deliver when it comes to the Six Nations, which we know is incredibly tough. We will definitely be put to the test."
The Leinster centre is also looking forward to working alongside wing Mack Hansen, who makes his debut this Saturday.
The 23-year-old has been the find of the season in the United Rugby Championship, where he has scored six tries in eight games.
"I've been watching him for Connacht, how dangerous he's been and how good he's been on defence with his reads, and how lightning he is with the ball in his hand in attack," Ringrose added.
"I played against him as well, so earned lessons on that front, and luckily I've had the chance to train with him and build that relationship and connection which has been really good.
"I'm excited to see what he can do and delighted he's getting his opportunity."
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Follow all of Ireland's Six Nations games via our live blogs on rte.ie/sport and on the RTÉ News App or listen to live radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1. Watch live TV coverage of Ireland v Wales (5 February, 2.15pm) and England v Ireland (12 March, 4.45pm) on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player.
