Ireland got their Six Nations underway by delivering a powerful statement of title intent on Saturday as they toppled titleholders Wales 29-7 at the Aviva Stadium.
Wayne Pivac's side were always forecast to struggle against the in-form Irish in the absence of injured stars like Alun Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, George North and Justin Tipuric.
And Andy Farrell's side wasted little time in building on November wins over New Zealand and Argentina, promoting the same brand of fast-paced play that made the autumn such a success.
Centre Bundee Aki and winger Andrew Conway each cruised over for a try apiece either side of half-time, with the latter managing to add a second following a Josh Adams sin bin before Garry Ringrose joined the scoring.
Player of the Match Mack Hansen had an Ireland debut to remember and set up the opening try inside four minutes, sending Aki over on the left after exposing an overlap.
That was the clinical moment in an opening period dominated by Irish rugby, with Farrell's furious tactics putting the guests under a tremendous deal of pressure early on.
The only downside for the hosts was two Johnny Sexton penalties swung wide thanks to the swirling conditions in Dublin, though he converted at the third attempt to push Wales 10 points behind after 20 minutes.
Ireland's captain also became just the fourth player in tournament history to reach 500 points in the Six Nations with that kick, following in the footsteps of Jonny Wilkinson, Owen Farrell and compatriot Ronan O'Gara.
To their credit, injury-hit Wales managed to ward off Irish advances into their territory, although there were few opportunities to threaten themselves with so much possession running in the hosts' favour.
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Hansen in particular had several sniffs of the Welsh try line only to be caught short at every turn, with Garry Ringrose also proving predator-like in his efforts to open up the Welsh defence.
And speaking of predators, Conway succeeded in his hunt for the line soon after the restart, giving Ireland the perfect platform for the second period after exposing an overlap in the Welsh defence.
The Munster man capitalised in the right corner again soon after Wales were temporarily reduced to 14 men, makeshift centre Adams the man to depart after a reckless hit on Sexton using his shoulder.
The bonus point was sealed on the hour mark when Andrew Porter ripped to start a counter inside the Welsh half, with Ringrose scything between defenders to cross over for his 11th Ireland try.
Taine Basham intercepted a lackadaisical Tadhg Beirne pop-up to run in from close range and salvage some pride with only five minutes remaining, subtle consolation for his considerable efforts on the day.
A win puts Ireland into an early lead at the top of the Six Nations, though either one of Scotland or England could overtake them as they meet at Murrayfield later on Saturday.
All attention then turns to Paris for a showdown between title favourites France and Italy on Sunday, with Les Bleus looking to end their 12-year wait for a Six Nations crown.
Ireland, meanwhile, can now focus on their second-round clash with Les Bleus next Saturday (Feb. 12), in what promises to be their most difficult fixture of the entire tournament.
Elsewhere, Wales will host Scotland in their first home game of the competition as they look get their title defence back on track in more familiar surroundings.
IRELAND- Tries: Aki, Conway 2, Ringrose. Cons: Sexton 3. Pens: Sexton.
WALES- Tries: Basham. Cons: Sheedy.
