Ulster winger Andrew Trimble has admitted there's extra spice when Wales come to town as Ireland look to gain some sweet revenge against Warren Gatland's powerful side this Sunday (3pm).
The Welsh gatecrashed Paul O'Connell's Lansdowne Road farewell back in August when they stole a 16-10 World Cup warm-up win.
It was the latest chapter in a mixed bag of results for Ireland against their Celtic cousins - they've lost five of their last eight against Wales, including the 2011 World Cup quarter-final - and Trimble admitted the fixture has developed into a real grudge match.
“Over the last couple of years this massive rivalry has really developed between Wales and Ireland. That could make Sunday a big, big occasion, and a big opportunity to get one over on them," Trimble told RTÉ Sport.
"We’ve been on the receiving end the last few times but we’re really excited about the challenge that’s ahead of us. It’s going to be very, very physical, the intensity is going to be through the roof and I think hopefully that’s going to bring the best out of us.
“The last two years it hasn't gone our way and that just naturally makes you more up for the next game. A lot of guys who played in the friendly in August before the World Cup will be remembering the disappointment in the game.
"It was Paulie’s last opportunity to play at the Aviva and it didn't go to plan.
"That was a disappointing afternoon for the boys. That makes the next encounter with Wales a bigger occasion and hopefully we’ll rise to it."
A bruising collision is on the cards at the Aviva, but Trimble has pinpointed the unerring accuracy of out-half Dan Biggar as a key threat the hosts must be prepared to combat.
“It’s going to take a lot out of us, but we’re looking forward to it. The amount of threats that Wales bring to the game, with their midfield, with their wingers, with their kicking game, with Biggar... there’s going to be an awful lot of hard work to do in the back field with Biggar and his kicking game.
"He can pick out corners that not a lot of 10s can, so there’s a bigger threat there from my point of view as a winger," added the 31-year-old, who missed out on a place in Joe Schmidt's World Cup squad after an injury-ravaged run-up to the tournament.
“I’m enjoying my rugby. I think a season out with a couple of injuries gave me a little bit of perspective and reminded me to make the most of every opportunity you get out there, whether it be in a white jersey or a green jersey.
"I haven’t had many opportunities in green so I’m really looking forward to this.”
Follow Ireland v Wales live on from 2pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Radio 1 and via the live blog on RTÉ News Now and RTÉ.ie.
VIDEO: Andrew Trimble issues Ireland's call ahead of Wales showdownhttps://t.co/DGRnB4sXHp
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