Ireland are not bothered by former players talking down Wales and head coach Andy Farrell says "it's the way of the world".
A number of ex-internationals, including Stephen Ferris, reckon that the current Wales crop, who have won just three of ten games under head coach Wayne Pivac, are a considerable step down from the 2019 Grand Slam winners and World Cup semi-finalists.
The record books show that Ireland have not won a championship game in the Principality Stadium in eight years but recent form suggests the visitors may have the edge in Sunday's Guinness Six Nations opener (3pm).
"It doesn’t matter what goes on in the papers or in the news in the coming days," said the head coach after naming a side including James Lowe and Tadhg Beirne for the match.
"The game will still be the same.
"I suppose that's the way of the world, isn’t it? We are realistic and understand that’s what happens.
"As far as the two camps, we know the truth. We know it’s going to be a war of attrition.
"We know that we haven't won there since 2013, which says a lot and we’re expecting Wales to be 100% at their best.
"We’ve played them at their best before and come unstuck so we are preparing accordingly.
"I don’t believe [they are a poor side] for one second. Our boys are very familiar with everyone that’s in the Welsh squad. They play against them all the time, some of them are good friends.
"We know what top performers that they can be when they are under pressure and this is the start of a new competition and they’ll be wanting to right some wrongs.
"They are an experienced side that have been in good positions before and difficult positions before. I suppose the slate is wiped clean at the start of a competition and this is a huge game for both teams."
Hooker Rob Herring, who will win his 17th cap, said the players don’t pay attention to what goes on on the media.
"For me personally and I’m sure it’s the same for the playing group, we tend to block out those kind of comments and the media reaction," said the 30-year-old Ulster forward.
"We focus on what we do. Wales is a tough place to go, we haven’t won there in the Six Nations since 2013 so it’s a formidable place to go and a tough challenge.
"They have a really strong squad and no matter what team they put out. I had a quick glance; it looks like a really experienced team and there’s going to be another tough battle.
"We haven’t won there in a while and we are hoping to change that."
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