Ireland can move a step closer to another Six Nations Grand Slam against Wales.
14:15 Saturday
Defending Six Nations champions Ireland welcome Wales to the Aviva Stadium for the opening match of round three, knowing another victory will keep them firmly on course for unprecedented back-to-back Grand Slam titles (66% likely at best odds on William Hill).
Ireland vs Wales Prediction
Andy Farrell’s side produced a monumental display to see off France in the opening game of the competition, before a routine victory over Italy, which allowed them to rotate some key players.
By contrast, Wales arrive in Dublin with two consecutive losses (just two wins in their last 13 Six Nations games), but those two losses could have easily gone the other way on another day.
While Wales have felt the effect of losing some experienced performers, Ireland have continued to tick along like a well-oiled machine, with Jack Crowley stepping out of the shadow of Johnny Sexton and producing two assured displays.
His running game certainly adds another dimension to an already devastating Irish attack, how the Welsh marshal that threat will be a major factor in them hanging in the game.
Elsewhere the superbly disruptive Tommy Reffell be looking to slow down the Irish ball at every given opportunity but stifling the experienced back-row of Peter O’Mahony, Josh Van Der Flier and Caelan Doris will be no easy feat.
Ireland vs Wales Lineups
Ireland Team to Play Wales
Frawley; Nash, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; McCarthy, Beirne; O'Mahony (capt), Van der Flier, Doris.
Wales Team to Play Ireland
Winnett; Adams, North, Tompkins, Dyer; Costelow, Tomos Williams; G Thomas, Dee, Assiratti, Jenkins (capt), Beard, Mann, Reffell, Wainwright.
Ireland vs Wales Team News
Ireland will be without star full-back Hugo Keenan, who misses out through injury and is replaced by Ciaran Frawley making his first start for his country.
Munster prop Oli Jager is in line to make his debut from the bench, as he replaces Finlay Bealham.
Wales have recalled fly-half Sam Costelow, who missed the England game, with Ioan Lloyd dropping back to the bench.
Cardiff number eight Mackenzie Martin could make his Wales debut from the bench as he replaces the injured Taine Basham.
Ireland vs Wales Odds
| Team | Best Odds | Worst Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 1/20 | 1/66 |
| Wales | 16/1 | 10/1 |
Ireland vs Wales – Six Nations Betting Tips
Betting Tip: Ireland winning margin 21-25 points @ 11/2
Wales are without a win in the Irish capital since 2012 and have lost six of the last seven games between the two sides – highlighting the magnitude of the task ahead of Warren Gatland’s side.
Their last three losses against the men in green have come by scores of 23, 22 and 24 points. While we know just how relentless and precise the Irish attack can be, I think it will be their defence which is the key to a big victory on Saturday.
They completely shut Italy out of the game in the previous round and but for a couple of moments of brilliance they kept France very quiet in round one.
Wales have had their moments in attack but some of that has been down to lapses in concentration from the opposition (or complete meltdowns like we saw from Scotland).
Ireland won’t afford them that luxury and with a raucous crowd behind them I expect a comfortable victory. Backing Ireland to win by 21-25 points is my selection here at a best price of 11/2 on bet365.
