Wales vs Ireland Preview & Prediction | 2025 Six Nations Championship | Round 3
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Unbeaten Ireland travel to Cardiff to face a Wales team – now under a new head coach – hoping to snap their losing run as the 2025 Six Nations resumes.
Start date/time: Saturday 22nd February, 2025: UK – 2:15pm / US ET – 9:15am / US PT – 6:15am
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website / US – Peacock
Wales Form: New man in charge
Warren Gatland’s ill-fated second stint in charge finally came to an end in the wake of Wales’ 22-15 defeat at the hands of Italy two weeks ago – their 14th consecutive defeat in test rugby.
Mark Sherratt has been installed as interim coach and he has seen fit to make multiple changes to the starting 15 in an attempt to shake things up ahead of the visit of the back-to-back Six Nations champions.
Last Five: LLLLL
Ireland Form: Reigning champions well-positioned
Ireland are in pole position to retain their Six Nations title having gone two wins from two so far, most recently defeating Scotland 32-18 at Murrayfield.
Despite being without their head coach Andy Farrell while he prepares for the Lions Tour this Autumn, it’s been business as usual so far in the Irish camp, and with France and England having already lost games in this year’s tournament, it is hard to see Ireland slipping up from here.
Last Five: WWWWW
Wales Team News: New-look team
Squad: 15. Blair Murray, 14. Tom Rogers, 13. Max Llewellyn, 12. Ben Thomas, 11. Ellis Mee, 10. Gareth Anscombe, 9. Tomos Williams; 1. Nicky Smith, 2. Elliot Dee, 3. WillGriff John, 4. Will Rowlands, 5. Dafydd Jenkins, 6. Jac Morgan (captain), 7. Tommy Reffell, 8. Taulupe Faletau
Replacements: 16. Evan Lloyd, 17. Gareth Thomas, 18. Henry Thomas, 19. Teddy Williams, 20. Aaron Wainwright, 21. Rhodri Williams, 22. Jarrod Evans, 23. Joe Roberts
Ireland Team News: Dan Sheehan returns in place of injured skipper Caelan Doris
Squad: 15. Jamie Osborne, 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Robbie Henshaw, 11. James Lowe, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park; 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Dan Sheehan (captain), 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Peter O’Mahony, 7. Josh van der Flier, 9. Jack Conan
Replacements: 16. Gus McCarthy, 17. Jack Boyle, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. James Ryan, 20. Cian Prendergast, 21. Conor Murray, 22. Jack Crowley, 23. Bundee Aki
Wales vs Ireland Prediction
Ireland will be somewhat wary of facing a wounded animal in the cauldron of Cardiff but the cold reality is that they are a vastly superior side to Wales at the moment.
Under a new coach, there may be a sense of freedom in the Wales camp this weekend and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them start well against the visitors. However, Ireland’s class should ultimately tell as they take a huge step towards winning the Six Nations for a third year in succession, while continuing their Grand Slam hopes in the process.
Wales vs Ireland Tip: Ireland to win by 15+ points
