With the Six Nations kicking off this weekend, expectations are high that Ireland will have a good tournament.
They enter the event as the number one ranked team in the world, with their form over the last 18 months or so having been hugely impressive. As well as that, they also have the traditionally more favourable schedule of hosting England and France in Dublin.
Saturday's opening match will go a long way to deciding their championship hopes. Playing Wales away from home is never an easy task, with Ireland having a very poor record in Cardiff. They have lost on their last four visits to the ground in the Six Nations.
However, they will be favourites this weekend against what has been a Welsh side in turmoil. They have been incredibly poor over the last year, with Warren Galtand returning to steady the ship and take over what looks like a rather depleted squad.
Clive Woodward sees Wales beating Ireland in Six Nations
While Ireland are considered as big favourites for the game, some see Wales upsetting the odds on their home patch.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Clive Woodward said it was difficult to look beyond the Welsh in this fixture.
Wales in Cardiff are going to be some team. I can see them causing an upset on the first Saturday by beating Ireland - and that would put the cat among the pigeons.
The Ospreys have done really well in the Champions Cup, led by Justin Tipuric. They have got a good team and Wales at their best have a good team. I really think they can shock Ireland.
I think Wales will win at home. You have to play really well to beat them in Cardiff. Ireland will not have played together for a while and it will be Gatland’s first game back.
If you look at Wales’ likely starting team, it is very strong - and with that crowd behind them they have got a good chance.
While Wales will always provide a stern challenge when playing at home, you would have to question Woodward's assessment that their team is a 'strong' one as currently constructed. It features a number of players that are no longer at their peak, as well as some unproven at test level.
It will be interesting to see how things play out in the Six Nations opener on Saturday afternoon.
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