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Wales face another tough Six Nations Test this week, facing Ireland as they look to avoid a third consecutive wooden spoon.
This has been another frustrating campaign for Wales, who have just one point to their name after heavy defeats by England and France.
They came close to ending their now 14-match losing run in the Six Nations as they faced Scotland last time out, though. They led for 75 minutes of that match, holding a 20-5 advantage shortly after half-time, but a spirited Finn Russell-inspired comeback saw the Scots edge out a 26-23 victory.
While the result was ultimately disappointing, the performance is one from which Wales can take great heart – though they will have their work cut out for them as they return from a fallow week and trot out under the lights in Dublin on Friday.
And they will be confident of claiming the second win of a Triple Crown here, against a Wales side they have beat eight times in their last nine meetings.
Here is everything you need to know about the match…
Ireland vs Wales date, kick-off time and venue
Ireland vs Wales takes place on Friday March 6, 2026, at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8.10pm GMT.
How to watch Ireland vs Wales
TV channel: In the UK, Ireland vs Wales is being shown live and free to air on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7.20pm GMT ahead of an 8.10pm kick-off.
Live stream: Fans can also watch the game live online via the ITVX website and app, which is available to those with a valid TV license.
Ireland vs Wales team news
Andy Farrell is yet to announce his side for this Test, though he will be forced into at least one change after new injuries hit the camp.
Elewhere, the likes of Jamison Gibson-Park and Robert Baloucoune are expected to keep their places after impressing against England.
Jamison Gibson-Park dictated the play as Ireland trounced England last time out
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All eyes will be on the No10 shirt, too. Jack Crowley got the nod in southwest London, taking the place of Sam Prendergast, and may well keep his place after kicking 17 points.
Steve Tandy has also been forced to make changes to his side after injuries to flanker Taine Plumtree and fly-half Sam Costelow, both of Scarlets.
They are replaced by James Botham and Ellis Mee, respectively, the latter starting on the wing as Dan Edwards starts at half-back. He had started every match of the Tandy era before he was dropped for the Scotland Test, but Costelow’s injury sees him return to the XV.
Dafydd Jenkins, who has made more tackles thus far in the competition than any other player, reprises his role alongside Ben Carter.
Injury blow: Sam Costelow
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Louie Hennessey of Bath is named to the bench and stands to make his international debut.
Speaking on his selection, Tandy said: “This week it’s about backing up the performance against Scotland. Going away from home is a different type of environment for our group, but the focus for us is really improving on what we did last game.
“I thought the defence against Scotland was much improved so we definitely want to double down on that going to Ireland.”
Ireland XV: TBC (Announcement expected on Wednesday afternoon)
Wales XV: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, Hawkins, Adams; Edwards, Williams; Carre, Lake, Francis, Jenkins, Carter, Mann, Wainwright, Botham
Replacements: Elias, Smith, Griffin, Beard, Cracknell, Hardy, Evans, Hennessey
Ireland vs Wales head to head (h2h) history and results
While Wales lead the overall head to head, they are without a win against their cross-sea neighbours since 2021. That was Ireland’s only defeat in their last nine meetings with Wales.
Ireland vs Wales prediction
Wales do not seem to face many easy matches these days, and this one should prove similarly testing.
While they will no doubt be buoyed by last week’s valiant performance against Scotland, the fact remains that they failed to convert a 15-point second-half lead to victory – something that may well have caused Tandy some sleepless nights through the fallow week.
Ireland, meanwhile, are riding high. Day one defeat was followed by a gritty win over Italy and a rout of their most bitter rivals at Twickenham, sending morale in the camp soaring.
The mood is up, the squad is on form and well rested, and they will know that they boast definite quality over Friday’s visitors.
Many will regard this match as a foregone conclusion.
Ireland to win by 25 points.
Ireland will hope to keep up their good form against Wales
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Ireland vs Wales match odds
Odds via BetFair (Subject to change)
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