2019 Autumn Internationals – Wales vs Ireland Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Wales vs Ireland taking place? Saturday 31st August, 14:30
Where is Wales vs Ireland taking place? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
What is the expected weather for Wales vs Ireland? 18c in what could be constant showers
What channel is Wales vs Ireland on? Wales vs Ireland will be shown live on Channel 4
Where can I stream Wales vs Ireland? This match can be streamed online via the Channel 4 website
Where can I get tickets for Wales vs Ireland? Check https://www.autumn-internation... for ticket information
What was the score in the last meeting? Wales 25-7 Ireland
THE TEAM NEWS
WALES
- Wales gained revenge against England for their loss in the previous week by edging a tight affair in Cardiff as they prevented their opponents from scoring a try and with that result, the Welsh climbed to the top of the world rankings.
- Head coach Warren Gatland has confirmed that Jarrod Evans and Rhys Patchell are in a battle to claim a spot in Wales’ 31-man squad for the World Cup with Evans set to start against Ireland before Patchell takes his place at half-time.
- Gatland will also hand debuts to Owen Lane and Rhys Carre as competition for places in the World Cup side goes up a notch with numerous players having a chance to stake their claim in this side which features 14 changes from the team that defeated England.
IRELAND
- Ireland collapsed in the second half as they were hammered by England as their opponents ran in 57 points in total and 35 in the second period alone in what was a huge wake-up call ahead of the World Cup.
- Despite naming a strong side, the Irish were ripped apart and will now have to do some soul-searching with time running out before they travel to Japan with head coach Joe Scmidt naming a more experimental team this time out.
- Only three players are retained in the starting XV with Peter Mahoney taking over the captaincy for this game with usual skipper Rory Best reverting to the bench whilst Ross Byrne will get his shot in the fly-half role.
THE PREDICTION
Ireland were embarrassed by England last week and now face a trip to Cardiff to face the newly-crowned world number one ranked side. Wales’ victory over England was enough for them to replace New Zealand and whilst there is plenty of debate over how the rankings are determined, the Welsh will feel they are there on merit. Both teams have named experimental teams for this game but Wales should be too good on home soil where they have not lost since a defeat to the All Blacks in November 2017.
