Ireland will take on Wales in the Guinness Six Nations this Saturday as their quest for back to back Grand Slams continues. Here's all you need to know about Ireland v Wales.
Ireland have dominated the fixture in recent years with Wales only winning three of the last 10 games between the sides, in fact Wales haven't beaten Ireland in the Aviva Stadium since 2015. Ireland have impressed in their opening 2 games of the Six Nations with Jack Crowley slotting into the 10 jersey well. Warren Gatland's side have had contrasting fortunes as they lost their opening two games to Scotland and England as he tries to rebuild Welsh rugby. They are fifth in the Six Nations table with 3 points.
Andy Farrell's side sit top of the table with 10 points after those opening wins. However, he has a few injury concerns to ponder going into this game. Hugo Keenan is a huge loss to the side and although a victory for Ireland will be expected, Welsh teams under Warren Gatland have a habit of putting in a performance with their backs against the wall.
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Bring on Match Week! 🙌#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/3y6yTO663m
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 19, 2024
When Is Ireland v Wales
Ireland v Wales will take place this Saturday February 24th with kick off at 2:15pm.
What Channel Is Ireland v Wales
The game will be broadcast on RTE 2 with coverage beginning at 1:20pm
Team News
Our team to face Wales in Dublin! 🟢#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 22, 2024
For Ireland there are 7 changes to the side that beat Italy a fortnight ago. Ciarán Frawley has been tasked with taking on Hugo Keenan's role as full back, he will make his first-ever Six Nations start. Andy Farrell brings Bundee Aki back in at 12 with Stuart McCloskey dropping to the bench. Jamison Gibson-Park also returns to the side partnering Jack Crowley at half-back while Conor Murray comes back onto the bench. Ireland have gone for a 6-2 split on the replacements bench.
In the pack Tadhg Furlong starts at tighthead alongside the usual duo of Andrew Porter and Dan Sheehan. Joe McCarthy continues in the second row partnering the returning Tadhg Beirne. Josh Van Der Flier comes in at 7 and Peter O'Mahony, who will make his 50th Six Nations appearance, captains the side at blindside flanker. James Ryan, Ryan Baird and Jack Conan all move to the bench while Oli Jager is set to make his Ireland debut as replacement tighthead.
Warren Gatland has made one change to his Wales side for the trip to the Aviva. Sam Costelow comes in at 10 after recovering from injury, Ioan Lloyd drops to the bench. Taine Basham drops out of the 23 and is replaced on the bench by Cardiff backrower Mackenzie Martin who is due to win his first cap. Dillon Lewis also comes onto the bench in place of Archie Griffin.
🏴 𝐗𝐕 𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐑𝐔 🏴
👊 The Welsh team to take on Ireland
⚔️ Un newid i geisio gorchfygu'r Gwyddelod#SixNationsRugby | #IrelandWeek pic.twitter.com/smWXiTqkmi— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 20, 2024
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