Ireland vs Wales Predictions & Tips - Wales can get close against Ireland in Six Nations

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 22 Feb 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 22 Feb 2024

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Ireland vs Wales predictions for Saturday’s Six Nations match
Hosts have won 18 of their last 19 games
Can Wales compete at the Aviva?

Expired

Wales have been impressive in their two defeats to date (Getty Images)

Ireland vs Wales Predictions

Ireland are big favourites at home with a 22-point handicap. While an Ireland win is very likely, I do feel that handicap is a bit big given Wales’s performances during and since the Rugby World Cup. Gatland has turned them into a far more competitive side, so I fancy the hosts to finish within 22 points.

Ireland vs Wales Predictions
Head to Head
Ireland Form
Ireland Injuries & Team News
Wales Form
Wales Injuries & Team News

Ireland have won 6 of their last 7 matches against Wales.
Ireland have won 18 of their last 19 matches.
Ireland are the defending Six Nations champions.
Wales have lost their last 2 matches.
Wales lost their last 2 matches by 1 and 2 points.

Head to Head

Ireland have won six of their last seven games against Wales. The last time Wales won this fixture was back in 2021 at home. Last season Ireland won 34-10 at the Principality Stadium. Wales have not won at the Aviva Stadium since 2015.

Ireland Form

Ireland are top of the Six Nations after the first two rounds. They have won both of their games with a bonus point which places them two points ahead of England.

In the opening round, Ireland were magnificent in Paris, beating France 38-17. While the French did go down to 14 men, the Irish were the dominant team from the off, long before they were a man up.

In round two, Ireland dominated at home against Italy, winning the match 36-0. They seldom looked troubled and every bit the defending champions.

Ireland Injuries & Team News

Ireland are likely to make quite a few changes after their win over Italy. Some key players were rested and should return for this home fixture.

Wales Form

Wales will be desperate for a strong performance after suffering two defeats in their opening two games. They have picked up three bonus points in those defeats which will be a positive.

Warren Gatland’s side have certainly been better than the past few years in the Six Nations. They lost at home to Scotland 27-26 on the opening weekend, a game they could have won, but gave the Scots a big head start in the first half.

Last time out Wales again impressed but suffered a 16-14 defeat away to England. It was another game that could easily have gone the other way for Wales.

Wales Injuries & Team News

Gatland is looking to build a team, so I don’t see him making too many unforced changes this weekend.

Verdict

Ireland v Wales

I am backing Wales to get within 22 points of Ireland on Saturday.

Wales +22

Handicap

@1/1 - 3 Units

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