It was a game that most Ireland fans went into with a fair amount of trepidation.
Back-to-back Six Nations champions they may be but the injuries that had ravaged Joe Schmidt's side had left many fearful that the wheels may come off at the Aviva.
So optimism wasn't exactly sky high before the game.
But there's still always time for a laugh before kick off.
https://twitter.com/MickPCollins/status/696349049553870848
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/696346634066780161
And then there was South African CJ Stander singing the national anthem.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/696347444259508225
https://twitter.com/grainne_seoige/status/696351148622667776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
And the Welsh had their concerns.
https://twitter.com/thehuwdavies/status/696351185624813568
Ireland seized the initiative when Conor Murray's try gave them a 13-0 lead.
https://twitter.com/erinski01/status/696357239897071616
https://twitter.com/PAImages/status/696357790382735362
https://twitter.com/alexshawsport/status/696355493325967360
https://twitter.com/RossOCK/status/696355750105452546
Yes, yes they did. Ours is a Guinness lads.
https://twitter.com/Kielysdonnyb/status/696299992651268096
Dan Biggar was an early casualty but Wales fought back to trail by just three at half-time.
https://twitter.com/patmccarry/status/696353804405645313
https://twitter.com/Rugblee/status/696353406429089792
Rog knew what was required in the second half.
https://twitter.com/andymcgeady/status/696363517318926336
Wales threatened early on and levelled matters, but the Welsh weren't happy with whistler Jerome Garces.
https://twitter.com/rugbymedia/status/696365772717871104
https://twitter.com/MCThomasSport/status/696367120335163392
Both sides continued to chase the victory but aside from one brilliant Sexton break, it was mostly a war of attrition.
https://twitter.com/RossOCK/status/696370476810170368
Both sides kicked penalties in the final ten minutes to set up a grandstand finish that saw each team put together lengthy series of phases, although nobody quite knew what the hell Jared Payne was doing when he attempted a grubber kick on halfway with the clock in the red.
https://twitter.com/BridgetteBkeane/status/696375508909608960
In the end, it was probably a fair result, and while Ireland will be frustrated not to have built on their early advantage, Wales will also be kicking themselves for not seeing the game out after going in front.
https://twitter.com/patmccarry/status/696375539712573446
https://twitter.com/thehuwdavies/status/696376062805209088
https://twitter.com/stephenjones9/status/696375955615576066
https://twitter.com/robkitson/status/696376558735519744
https://twitter.com/Gordonwdarcy/status/696378340459081728
Aside from the result, the day belonged to one man, debutant CJ Stander, who picked up the man of the match award and the hearts of a nation.
https://twitter.com/Munsterrugby/status/696376515194462208
