Ireland confirmed its Six Nations title credentials by blowing away defending champion Wales 29-7 at a full Lansdowne Road this morning (NZT).

Those credentials are expected to receive their sternest test of the championship next Saturday in Paris, where the Irish meet France, the last team to beat them a year ago.

"It's going to be a hell of a test," Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton said.

The Irish slayers of the All Blacks in the autumn hit the ground running with a Bundee Aki try in the third minute, and had the bonus-point fourth try after an hour.

Despite light rain, Ireland's speed and efficiency at rucks overwhelmed Wales and the passing and catching was sublime.

Equally impressive was the discipline; Ireland didn't concede a penalty until the second half.

There's huge optimism around Ireland for its first title since 2018. Momentum and confidence borne from eight test wins in a row and all four Irish provinces reaching the European club playoffs overpowered an undermanned Wales.

Eight senior Wales players are out injured, including captain Alun Wyn Jones, and the second string couldn't breach a waterproof Ireland defense. It took an Irish error in the 75th minute for Wales to get on the board. Tadhg Beirne passed off the floor mistakenly to flanker Taine Basham to scoot to the nearby posts for a converted try.

"Strangled us, physically dominated us," Wales captain Dan Biggar said of Ireland. "It became too difficult for us to get on the front foot. We need to find a bit more of an edge."

Ireland made a dream start. Mack Hansen, arrived from Australia in the summer and making his Ireland debut, received a tipped pass and hared 50 meters down the left touchline. Ireland forwards used lineout ball to pound the Welsh and shorten the defense, which Sexton noticed.