Ronan O'Gara's drop goal clinched Ireland their first RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam with a 17-15 victory at the Millennium Stadium last March but they were pushed all the way and Wales so nearly snatched the win through Stephen Jones' last-gasp, 50m penalty.

But the Irish went down 16-12 at Croke Park two years ago as Wales claimed the Triple Crown thanks to Shane Williams' try and the boot of Jones.

This year Wales have repeatedly conceded early points, leaving themselves to battle back with varying degrees of success.
Against England at Twickenham they reduced a 17-point deficit to just three points at one stage, before being edged out 30-17.

The follow week Warren Gatland's side scored two tries and a penalty in the final three minutes in Cardiff to stun Scotland 31-24.

A fortnight later the Welsh went in 20-0 down to France at half-time before a stunning second-half showing with tries from Leigh Halfpenny and Williams eventually making it 20-26 to the visitors.

Meanwhile Ireland bounced back from their first Six Nations defeat in two years against France by beating England 20-16 at Twickenham and boss Kidney insists Wales' results belie their quality.

"Wales will be a lot like France in that any errors by our defensive line will be exploited," he said.

"They're scoring a lot of points. They may have lost two but they're averaging more points than we are.

"We'll have to tighten up and match them in attack. The thing I really admire about Wales is that they play to the 80th minute.

"They did that last year in Cardiff - had that kick [Stephen Jones' late penalty] gone over we'd have finished the championship on eight points each and we'd have won on points difference.

"Two years earlier they put one over on us at Croke Park, which as a venue doesn't hold any fear for them."

Kidney has resisted any urges to change the team who triumphed at Twickenham, so full-back Rob Kearney's return from fitness take him only as far as the replacements bench.

Geordan Murphy keeps the No.15 shirt while Jonny Sexton stays at fly-half with Ronan O'Gara again finding himself in the unfamiliar role as a replacement.

Martyn Williams will wear the captain's armband when he overtakes Colin Charvis as Wales most-capped forward by winning his 95th cap against Ireland.

The 34-year-old will add some much needed stability to a Welsh team ravaged by injuries.

Skipper Ryan Jones will miss out with a calf strain, with Gareth Delve returning from a two-year international absence to take his No.8 shirt.

In the second row Luke Charteris will take the place of Deniol Jones while Mike Phillips is still only fit enough for a spot among the replacements.

Lions hooker Matthew Rees handed Gatland a boost after being passed fit enough to start.

And with opposition captain Brian O'Driscoll set to claim his 100th Ireland cap at Croke Park, Williams admits only one man will be able to enjoy the celebrations.

"The big message that we're going to try and hammer home all week is just be a little bit more patient and the gaps will appear," said Williams. "It's a shame we're going to try and spoil Brian's party... but that's our job.

"I don't think we are playing badly but we haven't helped ourselves, particularly early on in games, which is well-documented.

"We've got a game-plan for Saturday and, if we put that in place, I am sure we will cause Ireland problems.

"Warren asked me on Monday night [to be captain] and I am comfortable with stepping into the role.

"You just look around this Welsh team and you have got people like Stephen [Jones] and JT [Jonathan Thomas] who will be out there making the big calls on the field. There are plenty of leaders in this side."