THERE is no such thing as a friendly rugby international in the cauldron of Lansdowne Road.

So although Wales' first World Cup warm-up game against Ireland today is being billed as a friendly, it promises to be anything but.

Ireland have been bolstered by the return of their talisman Keith Wood at hooker and by the gifted Brian O'Driscoll (pictured) in the centre.

The Irish always adopt a no-holds barred approach on their own patch. They take no prisoners and with World Cup places at stake today will be no different, friendly game or not.

The last time Wales crossed the Irish Sea the result was so catastrophic that Graham Henry resigned as coach 24 hours later.

Wales were humiliated 54-10, a record defeat by Ireland and their second worst championship hiding.

Henry could stand it no longer and quit the scene, leaving the way clear for Steve Hansen, then his assistant, to take over.

But the pressure cooker atmosphere has got worse and Wales' record has declined even further since, so much so that they have lost their last nine games and have yet to win an international against a major nation during Hansen's reign.

Another hefty defeat today would not only be a huge setback for the team and for Hansen, but would also be a serious blow to morale ahead of the World Cup.

Hansen is not one to be affected by pressure, and he has stuck steadfastly to his chosen course of action.

That is to give all his World Cup hopefuls a run-out, to experiment rather than go for the tried and trusted.

Performance rather than the result will be the key for Hansen as he rests key players and gives others a chance.

Gwent Dragons' back row forward Rhys Oakley and Nicky Robinson at full back are both new caps while five other players have less than five caps each.

The selection of Robinson is a case in point for Hansen. Kevin Morgan has been suffering from injury problems, and though Robinson is essentially an outside half, Hansen picks him at full back because he can see possibilities there.

That is exactly Hansen's plan going into the four August internationals -- he admits he knows his team for all four games - but it contrasts vividly with Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan's ideas.

The odd injury apart, to players like Ronan O'Gara and John Hayes, O'Sullivan has gone for his strongest line-up.

For him results are the most important thing, and he feels it is essential to achieve some momentum going into the World Cup to boost confidence.

It's an interesting contrast, Ireland going flat out for the victory but Hansen seemingly more interested in the performance of a few individuals to see whether they can force their way into his World Cup squad.

But results obviously do count, you only had to be in Rome last season to see the damaging and demoralising effect defeat at the hands of Italy had on the Welsh fans.

Welsh jerseys were thrown to the ground or sold to Italians by disgusted Welsh supporters.

So Wales cannot afford another hiding of the proportions of two years ago because no amount of spin from the Welsh camp could mask the damage such a result would cause.

It will be hard in Dublin, that's for sure, more so in the heat. Not only will the return of Wood galvanise the Irish, but O'Driscoll is sure to weave his magic, while recalled number eight Anthony Foley will supply plenty of steel.

In the Welsh ranks Robinson and Oakley can do themselves a power of good while Hansen will be looking at the form of another Gwent player, Michael Owen, at lock instead of his usual number eight position. Loose head Duncan Jones and Ceri Sweeney at outside half can also boost their World Cup chances while the form of Iestyn Harris at inside centre will be closely watched.

But overall, given the experimental nature of the Welsh team, they can harbour few hopes of springing a surprise.

They can hardly expect to halt their losing run, but one day very soon results will become more important than the performance, much, much more.