Wales vs Ireland Predictions - Wales backed to cover as losing streak continues

Marc Thomas

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Last updated: 19 Feb 2025

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Marc Thomas 19 Feb 2025

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Wales recently changed their coach; Matt Sherratt now leads.
Ireland leads the Six Nations table, having won both matches with bonus points.
Caelan Doris and Ronan Kelleher are out for Ireland due to injuries.

Ireland to win comfortably in Cardiff (Getty Images)

Wales vs Ireland Preview

Wales have made a change to their coach and that could get the players ramped up for this encounter. A bit of motivation is unlikely to be enough to beat a very good Ireland side, but there is value in the handicap market.

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

Wales have lost their last 14 matches.
Ireland have won the last 2 Six Nations tournaments.
Ireland have won 6 of their last 7 matches.

Head to Head

Over the last eight encounters between Wales and Ireland, the Irish have won seven times.

Wales Form

Wales come into this round three fixture having lost their opening two games and find themselves at the bottom of the table. Warren Gatland was sacked a fortnight ago after the defeat to Italy.

In round one, Wales were thrashed 43-0 in France. They were never really expected to challenge the French, but it was another limp performance from a side that looks like they have no direction.

It didn’t get better in Rome as Italy beat Wales 22-15 in round two. While the margin was seven points, that is down to two late scores by the Welsh – in truth, Italy dominated the game from start to finish.

Wales Injuries & Team News

Matt Sherratt, Cardiff coach, has taken over the reins for Wales after Warran Gatland was let go. He will be in charge for the rest of the Six Nations. Gareth Anscombe has been called up to the squad and is likely to start in the 10 jumper.

Ireland Form

Ireland are top of the Six Nations table with 10 points as they have won both fixtures with a bonus point. While it has looked reasonably comfortable, Ireland have had their challenges.

In round one, at home to England, the Irish struggled to get going and were down at half time. A strong second half showing saved them on the day. A week later, Ireland were too good at Murrayfield for Scotland, who didn’t really pitch up on the day.

Ireland are going for their three-peat this season after winning the last two events. They were fancy their changes of another bonus point win here with the big clash against France in a fortnight.

Ireland Injuries & Team News

Caelan Doris and Ronan Kelleher will miss this fixture through injury. The Irish should be at full strength otherwise.

Verdict

Wales v Ireland

While I believe Ireland will win convincingly, Wales could make a strong start and keep things tight for a while. I am backing the hosts to stay within 23.5 points.