Ireland's quest for their first grand slam in nine years took another step forwards after a 37-27 win over a resilient Wales.
A trio of returning British and Irish Lions for Wales were not enough to stop Ireland taking the honours as Jonny Sexton silenced any doubts over his fitness with another dominant display.
Tries from Bundee Aki, Dan Leavy, Cian Healy and two from Jacob Stockdale ensured the hosts go into the Scotland clash with the Grand Slam still on the agenda.
An early penalty from Leigh Halfpenny put Wales into a 3-0 lead with the full-back showing no hangover from the foot injury that saw him miss the England defeat at Twickenham.
After Sexton's penalty rebounded off the post Ireland found themselves on the Wales line. A moment of brilliance from Sexton then dispelled any lingering Irish doubts surrounding his fitness.
Conor Murray's quick ball on the short side found the fly-half who's zipped pass cut out three helpless Welsh defenders for Jacob Stockdale to dive over untouched for his seventh international try in as many appearances after seven minutes.
While Sexton's hands had warmed to the occasion his right boot took longer with his first three efforts off the tee all drifting right, two of which were very kickable by his high standards.
Wales slowly grew into the game and a bouncing ball in the Irish 22 was swooped on by Gareth Davies. The scrum-half broke and stepped through the wandering Irish defence to score with Biggar adding the easy conversion after 21 minutes.
As the half progressed Wales began to edge the kicking and aerial battles. Biggar out jumped Rob Kearney and won his team a penalty after 31 minutes and the ever-reliable Halfpenny made no mistake from 30 metres edging the visitors further ahead.
The to-and-fro pattern continued and Ireland soon had a penalty straight in front of the posts after CJ Stander was held up over the line. There was no mistake from Sexton this time as he brought the score to 8-13.
Poor discipline continued to plague Wales and a mindless offside handed the hosts a penalty which Sexton booted deep into the Welsh 22 with half-time less than a minute away.
Wales paid for their ill discipline when Aki who had been disappointing for much of the first period, showed the power game he is renowned for when he crashed over from short range. Sexton added another simple two, sending the men in green into the dressing rooms with a slender 15-13 lead.
The second half started as the first ended and Ireland soon had their foot on the gas again. Keith Earls once again broke through and a couple of phases later the impressive Leavy powered over from close range with Wales' defence still in the changing rooms. Sexton made it 22-13 with a simple conversion.
Ireland were straight back into the Wales 22 and after Ross Moriarty was caught behind the try line the hosts had the put in 5m out and crucially all the momentum.
Cian Healy capped off a dominant period for the forwards with Ireland's fourth try and a bonus point a couple of phases later after 54 minutes. It looked ominous for Wales as the Aviva smelt blood.
Wales were not ready to keel over though and as Biggar won another high ball in the air from Kearney, Steff Evans broke through on the wing.
The ball was recycled leaving Steven Shingler as the spare man on the wing and he made no mistake diving over for the try. Halfpenny knocked over the conversion from the touchline to make it 27-20 with just over 15 minutes still to play.
As Wales chased a late comeback Ireland were awarded a penalty at a scrum just outside the Wales 22. Murray showed another string to his bow with the three pointer off the tee and take some pressure off with a 10 point lead.
Yet there was more drama to come. Steff Evans found himself free on the wing for only the second time all afternoon and made it a three point game with two minutes remaining.
Then as Wales went for broke Stockdale picked off a loose Gareth Anscombe pass and cantered home under the posts. The Aviva took a huge sigh of relief and finally Wales were truly beaten.
