Wales vs Ireland Preview & Tips - Wales' post-Gatland era to begin with comfortable Six Nations loss to Ireland

Ben Darvill

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Last updated: 20 Feb 2025

Ben Darvill 20 Feb 2025

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Wales vs Ireland Six Nations Preview & Tips
Wales sit at the bottom of the table with Ireland currently at the summit
Preview, stats & head to head

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Keiron Assiratti of Wales (Getty Images)

Wales vs Ireland Preview & Tips

Wales' losing run was extended to 14 games in match day two as they were beaten 22-15 by Italy, with this potentially consigning Wales to the wooden spoon in the Six Nations.

Wales vs Ireland Preview & Tips
Head To Head
Wales Form
Ireland Form

Ireland made it two bonus point wins in as many matches as they eased past Scotland in a 32-18 win at Murrayfield.

Wales have lost their last 14 international Test matches
Ireland have beaten Wales in their last three meetings
Ireland's first scoring play came via a Calvin Nash try against Scotland in their last game

Head To Head

Ireland have won eight of their last 10 against Wales, with the Welsh winning twice in this time.

Wales Form

Wales currently sit at the foot of the table in the Six Nations with a single losing bonus to show for their efforts across the opening two rounds.

Their 43-0 loss to France in game one was an embarrassing result in which the Welsh failed to threaten their opponents. Their insipid performance against France was followed by a loss to Italy that saw Warren Gatland's second stint as head coach brought to an end.

Matt Sherratt has been brought in as interim coach for the rest of the campaign, and he has brought some reinforcements in the form of Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn from Gloucester. Both have looked good this season, and they will try to provide the spark which has been missing from this Welsh side for some time now.

While teams can often enjoy a bump in form following a change in coach, Wales face the best side in the competition this weekend, and this one will likely only see their losing run extended.

Ireland Form

Ireland look set to make it three bonus point wins in a row this weekend as they travel to take on a Welsh side that have been a long way short of competitive in recent months.

Ireland's 27-22 win over England saw the former dominate only to see England score two late tries to give the scoreline a different feel. Against Scotland, the Irish were excellent as they romped to a 32-18 win. In truth, the scoreline could have been far worse for the Scottish as their opponents simply coasted to the win.

Against Scotland, the first scoring play of the game came via an Irish try. While the Irish have often been very pragmatic in Test matches, they will likely look to put Wales to the sword early in search of tries. With his in mind, I am backing the travelling side to secure the win as they kick the scoring off with a try.

Verdict

Wales v Ireland

I am backing Ireland to secure the points as the first scoring play of the match sees Ireland pile the pressure on their hosts with a try.

Ireland

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