Wales vs Ireland Preview & Prediction | 2023 Six Nations Championship
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THE FACTS
When is Wales vs Ireland on and what time does it start? Wales vs Ireland will take place on Saturday 4th February, 2023 – 14:15 (UK)
Where is Wales vs Ireland taking place? Wales vs Ireland will take place at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales
Where can I get tickets for Wales vs Ireland? Ticket information for Wales vs Ireland can be found on each nation’s official website
What channel is Wales vs Ireland on in the UK? Television coverage is shared between BBC and ITV so it is worth checking their schedules for Wales vs Ireland
Where can I stream Wales vs Ireland in the UK? If televised live on BBC, Wales vs Ireland can be streamed live on iPlayer, while ITVX is the place to go if the match is on ITV
THE TEAM NEWS
WALES
- Wales endured a poor campaign in the 2022 Six Nations with them losing all but one of their matches and they ended with the ignominy of suffering a defeat to Italy in their final game.
- The Welsh did not fare very well over the summer and autumn either, winning just two of their seven matches but with Warren Gatland back in charge, there is hope for a tilt at the title this time around.
Starting XV: L. Williams; Adams, North, Hawkins, Dyer; Biggar, T. Williams; Thomas, Owens, Francis, Beard, Wyn Jones, Morgan, Tipuric, Faletau
Replacements: Baldwin, Carre, Lewis, Jenkins, Reffell, Webb, O. Williams, Cuthbert
IRELAND
- Ireland narrowly missed out on the Six Nations crown in 2022 with their only loss coming against eventual Grand Slam winners France but after a strong summer and autumn campaign, the Irish look set for another good campaign.
- Andy Farrell has made his side difficult to beat and come into this as the best-ranked team in the world after defeating the likes of Australia, New Zealand and world champions South Africa of late but the loss of Tadhg Furlong is a big blow.
Starting XV: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Sexton, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Bealham, Beirne, Ryan, O'Mahony, van der Flier, Doris
Replacements: Herring, Healy, O'Toole, Henderson, Conan, Murray, Byrne, Aki
THE PREDICTION
Wales will hope that the return of Warren Gatland can inspire a revival after a very disappointing year in 2022. They take on Ireland in this clash to kick-off the Six Nations but they face a daunting task with the Irish proving to be one the of the best teams in the world last year. They look capable of beating anyone on their day and have climbed to the top of the world rankings based on their recent efforts. This will not be easy with Wales winning their last four home games in the Six Nations against Ireland but it will take a big turnaround for the Welsh to right the wrongs of last year and the form of the Irish is difficult to ignore so they are favoured to claim the win in this opener.
