Here’s our Wales Vs Ireland preview, prediction, team news and confirmed lineups ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash in Cardiff.
Wales Vs Ireland Preview
This weekend sees the Six Nations back on our screens after a week off, with Wales taking on Ireland in the first of three matches.
The two sides are at opposite ends of the table ahead of the match. Reigning champions Ireland are the only unbeaten side in this year’s tournament, with two wins from two.
On the opening weekend, they beat England 27-22 in Dublin, followed by a 32-18 win over Scotland in round two.
Wales, meanwhile, took a 43-0 hammering against France in Paris on the opening night before losing to Italy in Rome a week later.
Now back on home soil for the first time this campaign, the Welsh will hope the Principality Stadium can provide some much-needed support.
They are currently on a record-breaking losing run of 14 straight test matches, dropping to an all-time low of 12th in the World Rankings.
The best UK rugby betting sites don’t think home advantage will help Wales, though.
Ireland are currently huge favourites at 1/25, with Wales 20/1 underdogs.
Wales Vs Ireland Team News
Wales:
🚨 𝗧î𝗺 𝗖𝘆𝗺𝗿𝘂 🏴
Here is your Wales team for our first home clash of the 2025 @SixNationsRugby 🆚 @IrishRugby on Saturday afternoon at @principalitysta, 14:15 KO! 🔥👇#GuinnessM6N | #WALvIRE
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 20, 2025
Wales have made eight changes for this week’s tough Irish test.
Interim boss Matt Sherratt has recalled experienced fly-half Gareth Anscombe, who starts in the Six Nations for the first time in six years.
Ben Thomas therefore shifts back to his preferred role at inside centre, partnering Gloucester’s Max Llewellyn.
Scarlets winger Ellis Mee will earn his first cap, replacing the injured Josh Adams.
Another mad recalled by Sherratt, Harlequins fly-half Jarrod Evans comes onto the bench.
In the forwards, Nicky Smith and Elliot Dee are joined by the returning WillGriff John.
Sale Sharks prop John will make his Six Nations debut in his first test appearance for more than three years.
Dafydd Jenkins is back from illness to rejoin Will Rowlands in the engine room, with Tommy Reffell and Taulupe Faletau joining skipper Jac Morgan in the back row.
Ireland:
Our line up for Cardiff! 👊#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 20, 2025
Ireland have made a number of changes for the trip to Cardiff, some enforced.
With skipper Caelan Doris out due to a knee injury, Dan Sheehan will captain his country for the first time.
The hooker returned from injury via the bench against England and Scotland, and replaces Ronan Kelleher in the starting XV.
Joining Sheehan in the front row will be Leinster prop Thomas Clarkson, making his first start.
Jack Boyle will earn his first cap from the bench at loosehead, while Jack Conan starts at eight in place of the injured Doris.
Joe McCarthy is back after a head knock ruled the lock out of the first two rounds.
In the backs, Mack Hansen returns to the wing, with Gary Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw in midfield. Bundee Aki moves onto the bench.
Jamie Osborne starts at fullback, in for Hugo Keenan. Sam Prendergast maintains the fly-half spot, with brother Cian in line for a Six Nations debut from the bench.
Wales Vs Ireland Confirmed Lineups
Wales:
Starting XV: Murray; Rogers, Llewellyn, B Thomas, Mee; Anscombe, Tomos Williams; Smith, Dee, John, Rowlands, D Jenkins, Morgan (capt), Reffell, Faletau.
Replacements: E Lloyd, G Thomas, H Thomas, Teddy Williams, Wainwright, R Williams, J Evans, J Roberts.
Ireland:
Starting XV: Osborne; Hansen, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe; S Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan (capt), Clarkson; McCarthy, Beirne; O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Conan.
Replacements: McCarthy, Boyle, Bealham, Ryan, C Prendergast, Murray, Crowley, Aki.
Wales Vs Ireland Prediction
Despite making a raft of changes, Ireland are still strong favourites for this one.
It would take more than a spoonful of good fortune for Wales to pull off a historic upset on Saturday.
Unless Ireland manage to lose several key men to injury early on and pick up a red card or two, we can’t see anything but a convincing Irish victory in Cardiff.
Prediction: Wales 10-33 Ireland
