The Leinster man leads Ireland for the first time in the Six Nations at the Millennium Stadium and knows he faces a tough battle against the likes of Warburton and co.
The last few meetings between the two sides have been settled by just a handful of points and Heaslip says Wales have some of the best back row forwards in the business.
“I think their pack is pretty mobile in general. If you watch the way they play, they get through a lot of work,” he said.
“The back row has a pivotal role in the way rugby is played. You have to be a jack of all trades- carry, tackle, poach and play like a back at the same time.
“Wales have got players who can do all that. They’ve got very combative guys on the ground who can turn the ball over if you don’t respect the ruck enough.
“They’ve got a really good work rate and we’ll have to match their intensity.”
With 13 players of the 2012 Grand Slam winning side starting for Wales, Heaslip is under no illusions as to the challenge his side face.
“Wales are the Grand Slam champions and we’re playing them in their back yard,” he added.
“We’ve been on the receiving end of three losses the last few times we’ve played them but you have to try and not let that pressure get to you.
“It’s a challenge and they’ve got the full deck really. We’ve seen their player profiles and we’ve looked to see if there are any weaknesses in their characteristics.
“To be honest they’re top quality players and it’s going to be a tough job.”
You can follow all of the action for Wales v Ireland at http://www.wru.co.uk/live
