With the Championship race reaching its peak, Andy Farrell’s men are looking to build on their momentum after a statement victory over England, while a resilient Wales side arrives in search of a season-defining upset after their poor form of late.
Ireland have held the upper hand in recent years, winning four of the last five encounters, but the visitors remain a dangerous threat under the leadership of hooker Dewi Lake. From the clinical finishing of Dan Sheehan to the tireless work rate of Aaron Wainwright, this fixture promises world-class physicality and tactical drama. Whether you are watching live on ITV or RTÉ, or heading to the heart of Dublin, this penultimate round match-up is unmissable.
Oval Insights predict an Ireland win by 26 points, with a 94% probability of victory (with Wales at just 4%, and a draw at 2%).
KICK OFF: 20:10 tonight LIVE on ITV and RTE
TEAMS:
Ireland: 15. Jamie Osborne; 14. Robert Baloucoune, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Jacob Stockdale; 10. Jack Crowley, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park; 1. Tom O’Toole, 2. Rónan Kelleher, 3. Tadhg Furlong; 4. James Ryan, 5. Tadhg Beirne; 6. Jack Conan, 7. Nick Timoney, 8. Caelan Doris (c)
Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart, 17. Michael Milne, 18. Thomas Clarkson, 19. Joe McCarthy, 20. Josh van der Flier, 21. Nathan Doak, 22. Tom Farrell, 23. Ciarán Frawley
Wales: 15. Louis Rees-Zammit; 14. Ellis Mee, 13. Eddie James, 12. Joe Hawkins, 11.
Josh Adams; 10. Dan Edwards, 9. Tomos Williams; 1. Rhys Carre, 2. Dewi Lake (c), 3. Tomas Francis; 4. Dafydd Jenkins, 5. Ben Carter; 6. Alex Mann, 7. James Botham, 8. Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: 16. Ryan Elias, 17. Nicky Smith, 18. Archie Griffin, 19. Adam Beard, 20. Olly Cracknell, 21. Kieran Hardy, 22. Jarrod Evans, 23. Louie Hennessey
Then Saturday Scotland take on France and Italy take on England in another great afternoon of RUGBY ACTION.