Ireland overcame a gutsy Wales to keep their Six Nations hopes alive with a hard-fought win in Dublin.
After a superb performance against England at Twickenham, Andy Farrell’s side might have expected a more comfortable night against a visiting team seeking a first tournament success in three years. But just as against Scotland, Steve Tandy’s squad showed all sorts of spirit and fight to threaten a mighty shock, particularly after James Botham punched over to narrow Ireland’s lead to just two points in the second half.
A late try from Jamie Osborne and penalty from Jack Crowley pushed the hosts out of reach, though, ensuring that they keep up the pressure on France - even if Les Bleus can secure the title with bonus-point win at Murrayfield on Saturday. For Wales, there were plenty of positives to take in defeat, even if the long wait for a Six Nations victory goes on.
Follow all of the latest from the Aviva Stadium with our live blog below:
Ireland vs Wales live
- Ireland overcome gutsy Wales to secure hard-fought Six Nations win
- FT: Ireland 27-17 Wales
- TRY! IRELAND 24-17 Wales (Jamie Osborne, 69 minutes)
- TRY! Ireland 19-17 WALES (James Botham, 63 minutes)
- TRY! IRELAND 19-10 Wales (Jack Conan, 45 minutes)
- TRY! Ireland 12-10 WALES (Rhys Carre, 42 minutes)
- TRY! IRELAND 12-3 Wales (Jack Crowley, 38 minutes)
- TRY! IRELAND 7-0 Wales (Jacob Stockdale, 6 minutes)
Ireland battle past gutsy Wales to keep Six Nations hopes alive
22:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland kept alive their slim hopes of reclaiming the Six Nations title by battling to a 27-17 bonus-point victory against winless Wales in Dublin.
First-half tries from Jacob Stockdale and Jack Crowley put Andy Farrell's side on course to set up a triple crown showdown with Scotland next weekend.
Wales responded through a superb solo score from prop Rhys Carre but were ultimately unable to prevent a 15th successive defeat in the championship, dating back to 2023.
Ireland battle past gutsy Wales to keep Six Nations hopes alive
Rhys Carre reflects on the Welsh performance
22:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle"We're showing improvement and we showed we're in a fight to the last play of these games and we showed our people we're coming back,” the prop says to ITV. “Last week was gut-wrenching and this week we were in it to the last minute so we're working hard and we're getting there."
On if he’s ever scored a better try: "I don't think so, that was up there. I saw some space and went as hard as I could and no one caught me."
Jacob Stockdale speaks to ITV
22:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle“That felt like a proper Test match,” the Ireland wing says. “Wales brought an awful lot of physicality, they’ve improved massively, fair play to them.
“It was a day for tackling, which don’t tend to be the days I enjoy too much, but I loved it out there. That try was pretty special for me, I’m not going to lie - it’s been a hard few years and it’s great to be back on the scoresheet again doing what I love. I think I put probably a bit too much pressure on myself in the France game and let it get the better of me.”
FT: Ireland 27-17 Wales
22:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhew. Rather harder fought than we might have fought in Dublin but Ireland escape unscathed with the bonus point victory they would have wanted. Full credit to Wales, though, with another hugely positive performance packed with the sort of spirit and fight that will surely result in a Six Nations win soon enough. They can have a real crack at Italy on the final weekend after two narrow defeats.
FULL TIME! Ireland 27-17 Wales
22:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland 27-17 Wales, 80 minutes
22:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe clock ticks towards the red, confirming Ireland’s victory even with Wales launching a last assault. Can they snatch a bonus point?
No, turned over by Irish hands! A smile then a grimace from Andy Farrell as the ball is booted into touch with their title hopes just about intact.
Ireland 27-17 Wales, 78 minutes
21:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleTomos Williams returns from the sin bin for the final couple of minutes. Ireland are penalised at a scrum, with Dan Edwards hurrying in to kick towards the corner.
PENALTY! IRELAND 27-17 Wales (Jack Crowley, 77 minutes)
21:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat should seal an Irish victory - but boy how they have had to work for it.
Ireland 24-17 Wales, 77 minutes
21:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales are penalised in front of the posts. Jack Crowley and Caelan Doris point at them.
Ireland 24-17 Wales, 75 minutes
21:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleDelightful! A deft little backdoor offload from Robert Baloucoune sends Ciaran Frawley into space down the right. The replacement full-back’s chip ends up in Welsh hands as both Louis Rees-Zammit and Eddie James scramble effectively, but they can’t clear far.
Ireland 24-17 Wales, 74 minutes
21:54 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlex Mann has now made 32 tackles, by the way - a Herculean effort.
But that feels costly from Wales! A missed connection at the lineout as Ryan Elias’s toss ends in Joe McCarthy’s hands.
Ireland 24-17 Wales, 73 minutes
21:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleWith Dan Edwards in at scrum half, Wales have limited width. That’s clever, mind, from Joe Hawkins - comfortable at fly half, of course, he produces a cross kick that finds space and is a little unlucky that the bounce is favourable for Ciaran Frawley to claim. Ireland clear up towards halfway.
Ireland 24-17 Wales, 70 minutes
21:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleChanges for most sides. Of particular note is the introduction of Louie Hennessey in the Wales backline as Ellis Mee steps out. Ciaran Frawley and Tom Farrell are on for Ireland.
With no Tomos Williams, Dan Edwards will have to step in at scrum half to feed a Welsh scrum. Can they battle back again?
TRY! IRELAND 24-17 Wales (Jamie Osborne, 69 minutes)
21:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd there’s the bonus-point try!
It’s been hard graft for Ireland at times but Wales were always short of numbers there. Jacob Stockdale, off the blindside wing, provides the linking hands and sets up his back three colleague Jamie Osborne. A poor conversion from Jack Crowley leaves him shaking his head, though - seven points in it.
To make matters worse for Wales, Tomos Williams is sent to the sin bin for a cynical infringement at the ruck after Jamison Gibson-Park had been tackled just short.
Ireland 19-17 Wales, 68 minutes
21:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere come Ireland again! Inroads made rapidly down the left, and Jamison Gibson-Park is felled inches short! Should he have given it inside? Will it matter? Advantage coming as they go to the right...
Ireland 19-17 Wales, 65 minutes
21:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndy Farrell has used his five bench forwards, Michael Milne and Tom Stewart joining Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy and Josh van der Flier in the fray.
McCarthy picks up a loose ball and grubbers ahead, forcing Dan Edwards to scramble back to his own line. The Wales fly half does so, so well to not only extinguish the danger but extricate himself from Jamison Gibson-Park and allow his side to clear more completely.
Ireland 19-17 Wales, 64 minutes
21:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt feels like Ireland have barely had any ball or territory since Jack Conan’s try nearly 20 minutes ago. There is a nervy energy around the Aviva.
TRY! Ireland 19-17 WALES (James Botham, 63 minutes)
21:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales are within two! James Botham knifes the line from close range!
What fight from Steve Tandy’s side! Alex Mann makes the initial bust after several phases of hard trucking, shimmying out of one tackle and taking two more Irishmen with him. Quick ruck ball and fellow flanker Botham biffs in, with the conversion a formality.
Ireland 19-10 Wales, 61 minutes
21:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother penalty against Ireland. Wales will tap and go from five out.
Ireland 19-10 Wales, 60 minutes
21:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleNicky Smith extracts a penalty from Tadhg Furlong, and doesn’t he love it. The Welsh loosehead and Irish tighthead had been involved in an altercation after their first scrum skirmish, and Smith sends Furlong away by forcing him to turn in and to ground.
That’s his last act; Thomas Clarkson comes on as Ireland mount their goalline defences.
Ireland 19-10 Wales, 58 minutes
21:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleA spiral bomb from Dan Edwards is knocked on by Jamie Osborne about 12 metres from his own posts. A great attacking platform for Wales, this.
Ireland 19-10 Wales, 56 minutes
21:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleSteve Tandy goes to his bench as the Welsh forward effort starts to fatigue the starting eight. On come Archie Griffin, Ryan Elias and Adam Beard in the tight five; off go Tomas Francis, Dewi Lake and Ben Carter.
Ireland 19-10 Wales, 56 minutes
21:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleEventually Jamison Gibson-Park does go to the boot, dinking something over the top for Stuart McCloskey to chase. Wales handle it and Louis Rees-Zammit kicks more conclusively upfield.
Ireland 19-10 Wales, 55 minutes
21:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland just need to be careful that they don’t play themselves into trouble here. They work through plenty of phases inside their own half, just about keeping pilfering Welsh hands off the ball.
Ireland 19-10 Wales, 52 minutes
21:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleAh, frustrating from Wales. Their maul is stalled and then Dewi Lake is held up by Ronan Kelleher and Tom O’Toole. Turnover, Ireland’s scrum.
Ireland 19-10 Wales, 50 minutes
21:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleTadhg Beirne is penalised for a deliberate knock on having reached out to try and block a Tomos Williams pass. Dan Edwards sends his forwards to about 15 metres from the Irish line.
Ireland 19-10 Wales, 48 minutes
21:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleOh, a chance missed for Wales! Some delicious handling away. to the left edge sends Josh Adams into space, with Dan Edwards’ tip-on particularly nice. Adams looks to have the run on Jack Conan but gives the pass anyway, and James Botham can’t quite keep up with his wing. Off his fingertips it flies into touch - even his grandad Ian might have struggled to snatch that one in the slip cordon.
Ireland 19-10 Wales, 46 minutes
21:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleA double switch in the Welsh pack - Aaron Wainwright had been a slight injury doubt this week and is relieved by Olly Cracknell, while Rhys Carre is replaced by Nicky Smith. A different sort of loosehead, but still a high class one.
TRY! IRELAND 19-10 Wales (Jack Conan, 45 minutes)
21:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleDenied in the first half, this time Jack Conan is over!
Or is he? TMO Andrew Jackson wants a gander at the replays of this, too...Obstruction? Was the grounding clear?
No, yes - try stands! Ireland extend their advantage, with Conan the beneficiary of a series of carries from his muscular mates.
Ireland 12-10 Wales, 43 minutes
21:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleNothing doing - Jack Crowley was caught high but falling into contact, and he’s not hurt. Ireland will reload and go again from a scrum.
Away to the right they play and Robert Baloucoune tries to power past Josh Adams. Adams hauls him towards touch but Welsh hands knock it out, and when they don’t allow the hosts to go quickly, Karl Dickson penalises tham.
And off Ireland go!
Ireland 12-10 Wales, 42 minutes
21:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleA lot was good about Ireland in attack in that first half, yet they may just feel they overplayed at times. This is a purposeful start to the second period, though, working up into a double figure count of phases before Karl Dickson’s whistle halts things. The referee feared an injury, it seems, and also wants a possible high tackle checked in the background.
Second half...
21:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, the players are back out there, with Jack Crowley ready for the resumption. Back underway.
Rhys Carre's sensational score
21:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe are now post-watershed, which allows me to share this:
The wheels on Rhys Carré 😮💨🏃💨
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 6, 2026
What a try from the Welsh prop 💪#GuinnessM6N #Since1883 pic.twitter.com/LiijcHKeOn
HT: Ireland 12-10 Wales
21:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleJust two points in it, then, at the half, thanks to that moment of magic from Rhys Carre. It felt like they earned something like that with some pretty desperate goalline defence - and Andy Farrell will be so frustrated to see his side concede like that having broken through just before the interval.
Ireland will back their bench to see this home, and Wales to fatigue, but it remains firmly in the balance, which we probably weren’t expecting.
HALF TIME: Ireland 12-10 Wales
20:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
TRY! Ireland 12-10 WALES (Rhys Carre, 42 minutes)
20:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleRhys Carre that is sensational! Look at the big man move!
Wowzer, what a moment for Wales on the stroke of half time. Ireland run short of numbers to the blindside but probably aren’t too worried when the loosehead takes at first receiver. But we all know what a superb carrier, and deceptive athlete, Carre is, and this is the finish of a great back - he burns past Tadhg Furlong, ploughs through Robert Baloucoune and then out-runs the cover to rumble to the line. Magnificent!
Ireland 12-3 Wales, 40 minutes
20:54 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales have made 110 tackles to Ireland’s 67, and missed 19 along the way - they’ve done well to stick with Ireland, in truth, given those statistics.
They’ll have one last chance to attack before the interval from a scrum out towards the left. A free kick means Tomos Williams will tap and play.
TRY! IRELAND 12-3 Wales (Jack Crowley, 38 minutes)
20:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe pressure tells! Just too many phases and too much power for the Welsh defence to handle. Ben Carter, obviously fatigued, is one-on-one with Jack Crowley in space a few metres from his own line and that’s not a situation the lock is likely to win.
Over the fly half slides, although an ugly conversion will frustrate him.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 37 minutes
20:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland are punching back against the grain with regularity, trying to target fringe defenders who may have switched off in their eagerness to push out wider. Closer and closer they come to breaking free...
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 35 minutes
20:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland will feel they’ve squandered a number of chances here. Tadhg Beirne manages to pinch a Welsh lineout, though, and Dafydd Jenkins then deliberately knocks on a Jamison Gibson-Park pass. Another opportunity for the hosts inside the Welsh 22 - can they make this one count?
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 34 minutes
20:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleIntercepted! A try-saving intervention from Alex Mann, shooting out of the line to pluck the pass of Jamison Gibson-Park with many men waiting beyond him! A real gamble, but it paid off, and Wales hook a hurried clearance away.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 32 minutes
20:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales are really struggling to deal with Stuart McCloskey, the centre wriggling free for a metre or three more than he should manage virtually every time he carries. Nathan Doak is sharp around the fringes to keep the momentum rolling, bring his forwards onwards and onwards again.
Eventually, Ireland are stalled a metre short of the line. Wales roll the ruck back towards the line and claim it is held up, but Karl Dickson awards the hosts the scrum feed, ruling that they were short.
Doak’s dalliance is done - he’ll be back later. A patched-up Jamison Gibson-Park returns.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 30 minutes
20:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleJacob Stockdale has been much busier here than in Paris. He flies high to just about corral a contestable kick, with Wales offside thereafter. Down towards the Welsh 22 Jack Crowley punts the penalty.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 28 minutes
20:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales have really upped their physicality and linespeed since that first eight minutes or so where Ireland seemed to be doing what they wanted. Robert Baloucoune loops around to the opposite touchline and attempts to connect with Jacob Stockdale, though offloads errantly.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 26 minutes
20:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd, inevitably, Wales are turned over, Jack Conan over the top and on his feet without a Welshman in sight. They just ran out of numbers and puff, there, with Dewi Lake perhaps guilty of ploughing a lone furrow.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 25 minutes
20:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleSloppy from Ireland - Ronan Kelleher is deemed to have failed to hook Doak’s first international scrum feed. These officials are eagle-eyed this evening.
Wales tap and play at pace, but can’t make much initial progress towards the Irish 22.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 24 minutes
20:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleA shame for Wales, that, not only squandering a chance for a try but relinquishing the pressure in the process.
This will be a worry for Ireland, though - Jamison Gibson-Park is heading off with a cut that requires further treatment. Nathan Doak is on, probably temporarily, for his international debut.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 23 minutes
20:35 , Harry Latham-CoylePenalty again - James Ryan for a no-arms tackle. Ireland are warned about their discipline as Dewi Lake taps and drives again.
Held up! Oh, Rhys Carre was looking to plunder another short-range score but can’t pierce the three Irish bodies that engulf him.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 22 minutes
20:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleRhys Carre is the launched Welshman, taking Tomos Williams’s pass and picking out Jack Crowley, who copes well with the burly prop. Caelan Doris goes off feet at a ruck soon after, though. Another penalty for Wales - posts? Tap? It appears the latter. Dewi Lake hands over to Tomos Williams, who returns the ball to the hooker.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 20 minutes
20:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleTurnover! Vital from Dewi Lake, latching over the top after Jamie Osborne had been cut down to size.
Tomos Williams thumps upfield...and Alex Mann repeats the trick! A jackal penalty this time 30 metres from the Irish line, and Dan Edwards will punt for the corner.
Ireland 7-3 Wales, 18 minutes
20:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleA neat variation at the lineout from Ireland, bodies interchanging and sending Jack Conan into space after taking at the tail. He thumps into contact having been afforded a healthy run-up, and Nick Timoney then buffets a body back, too.
PENALTY! Ireland 7-3 WALES (Dan Edwards, 17 minutes)
20:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleIndeed it is. Simple as you like for the Wales fly half to get his side on the board.
Ireland 7-0 Wales, 16 minutes
20:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleHmm, a curious one - Ireland offside in the backline at the lineout. A rarity in the modern game with that so closely controlled by the officials.
This should be a gimme for Dan Edwards.
Ireland 7-0 Wales, 14 minutes
20:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is plenty of heft in this Irish side and Wales are just struggling to stall their power runners in these opening skirmishes. That’ll help them, though - a rare error from Stuart McCloskey, hurling a horrid pass in the vague direction of Robert Baloucoune.
That’s better from the visitors, too - Louis Rees-Zammit does not chance too much inside his own half and instead finds the green, green grass beyond the Irish defensive line. Away it tumbles to touch for a 50:22. Wales will throw the lineout.
NO TRY! Ireland 7-0 Wales, 12 minutes
20:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is a fumble from the Ireland loosehead, crouching at the base of a ruck. Relief for Wales, who had been offside a phase later and then punctured by Jack Conan one more beyond that. A lively start, still, from Ireland.
TRY? Ireland 12-0 Wales, 12 minutes
20:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleOver go Ireland but was there a knock-on by Tom O’Toole in the build-up? Karl Dickson waved it away live but looks likely to reconsider after seeing the replay.
Ireland 7-0 Wales, 10 minutes
20:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland are getting to the edges much too easily. Wales turn the ball over in their half and the home side are immediately into phase shape, Robert Baloucoune and then Stuart McCloskey collecting more metres down the right flank.
Ireland 7-0 Wales, 9 minutes
20:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother Gibson-Park high hoist causes havoc in the Welsh backfield. Ireland pick up the pieces once more but the scrum half’s pass is poor, by his standards, and flies into touch behind Jack Conan on the left edge.
Ireland 7-0 Wales, 7 minutes
20:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland look sharp. Jamison Gibson-Park’s box kick is half charged down by Jack Conan and Jacob Stockdale are fastest to react, enabling the hosts to plough towards halfway.
TRY! IRELAND 7-0 Wales (Jacob Stockdale, 6 minutes)
20:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleMade in Belfast, finished in Dublin! Ireland convert!
It’s a lovely score, patient and punchy in the Irish 22. It’s Stuart McCloskey again at the heart of it, a lovely short shoulder ball to Jacob Stockdale with Jack Crowley the decoy out the back. Ulster to Ulster and over for the score, which Crowley converts.
Ireland 0-0 Wales, 5 minutes
20:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland play off the top and into midfield, where Stuart McCloskey makes metres on the rumble. Robert Baloucoune is busy and bright, too, skipping free of two tacklers to venture to within five metres.
Pressure building.
Ireland 0-0 Wales, 4 minutes
20:14 , Harry Latham-CoylePenalty to Ireland. Tomas Francis’s feet are too far back, referee Karl Dickson rules, after the first scrum goes down on impact. A misstep, it seems, from the veteran tighthead. Tom O’Toole takes the head taps of his teammates, the tighthead-turned-loosehead off to a strong start.
Ireland 0-0 Wales, 3 minutes
20:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales build into the Irish half but run out of fluency. Dan Edwards checks back to his right and tries to find the corner, but skews it too far infield - Jamison Gibson-Park watches it scuttle through his in-goal area. Back Ireland will come to feed a scrum just beyond halfway.
Ireland 0-0 Wales, 2 minutes
20:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleA strong first defensive set from Ireland. Nick Timoney clatters into Dan Edwards and inadvertently blocks the fly half’s attempted offload with the top of his bonce, forcing Wales back.
That’s good from Josh Adams, though, winning the first aerial contest above Jamie Osborne.
Ireland 0-0 Wales, 1 minute
20:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleA deep kick off from Dan Edwards. Jamison Gibson-Park’s first task on his 50th cap is to clear from inside his own 22, which he does with aplomb, up into touch beyond halfway.
KICK OFF!
20:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales, sporting their change white kit, get the action underway.
Anthems
20:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleThree strongly sung anthems, the healthy contingent of Ulstermen in the Irish ranks not, of course, joining in with Amhran na bhFiann. A huge chance for Nick Timoney, Nathan Doak, Jacob Stockdale and co. tonight after some excellent form in the United Rugby Championship this season.
Ireland vs Wales
20:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleCatherine Connolly, the president of Ireland, saunters out of the tunnel to meet the two teams in the traditional spot of pre-match pageantry. Let’s hope she’s a little more au fait with the players than the patron of the Scottish Rugby Union.
Ireland vs Wales
20:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleOut the players come into the Dublin night. Good news, Irish fans - I understand that there should be at least one Friday night game confirmed for next year’s Six Nations when the fixtures are revealed on Monday morning. They aren’t to everyone’s liking but the atmosphere sounds lively enough this evening.
Ireland vs Wales match officials
19:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Karl Dickson (Eng)
ARs: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Damian Schneider (Arg)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (Eng)
FPRO: Tual Trainini (Fra)
A last chance for Jacob Stockdale?
19:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was a slight surprise to see Jacob Stockdale named in the Ireland starting side after how well Tommy O’Brien went off the bench against England. It is probably fair to see this as a last shot for the Ulster wing, with O’Brien surely likely to return to the starting back three against Scotland barring something spectacular.
But Stockdale is probably capable of that. He’ll be hoping to get hands on ball rather more than he managed to against France on the opening night, and get at Ellis Mee on that touchline. There’s a fair bit of height on that wing; the aerial battles between the two could be key.
Can Wales' carriers stand up again?
19:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt felt like the Welsh pack really stood up against Scotland a fortnight ago, with the first half particularly the punchiest performance we’ve seen from them in recent past. This is, perhaps, gnarlier Irish pack that they will come up against but the way in which Rhys Carre, Dewi Lake, Dafydd Jenkings, Ben Carter and Aaron Wainwright acquitted themselves showed real promise.
Andy Farrell hails ‘hard as nails’ Jamison Gibson-Park ahead of 50th Ireland cap
19:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland head coach Andy Farrell would trust "hard as nails" scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park to protect his house against intruders.
Gibson-Park is poised to win his 50th Ireland cap in tonight’s Six Nations clash with Wales following a standout display in the 42-21 round-three thrashing of England.
The New Zealand-born player made his international debut under Farrell in October 2020 and has since gone on to rival France captain Antoine Dupont as one of the world's leading number nines.
Andy Farrell hails ‘hard as nails’ Jamison Gibson-Park ahead of 50th Ireland cap
Team news - Wales
19:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleWith Sam Costelow ruled out, Dan Edwards returns to take over at fly half in a slightly tweaked Welsh team. James Botham comes into the back row after injury to Taine Plumtree, while Ellis Mee is back on the wing at Gabriel Hamer-Webb’s expense.
There was a slight fitness doubt over Aaron Wainwright but the No 8 has been picked to start. Bath centre Louie Hennessey will win his first cap from the bench.
Wales XV: 1 Rhys Carre, 2 Dewi Lake (capt.), 3 Tomas Francis; 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Ben Carter; 6 Alex Mann, 7 James Botham, 8 Aaron Wainwright; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Dan Edwards; 11 Josh Adams, 12 Joe Hawkins, 13 Eddie James, 14 Ellis Mee; 15 Louis Rees-Zammit.
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.
🚨 𝗧î𝗺 𝗖𝘆𝗺𝗿𝘂 🏴
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 4, 2026
Here is your Wales 23 to face Ireland under the lights in Dublin on Friday night, 20:10 KO! 🔥💪
▶️ https://t.co/vv0EFPjUV6#CymruAmByth | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/Nh2aQuO3ve
Team news - Ireland
19:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndy Farrell names an Ulster-heavy side after their strong form in the URC this season, with Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney and Jacob Stockdale joining Stuart McCloskey and Robert Baloucoune in the starting side, and scrum half Nathan Doak primed for a debut off the bench.
Ronan Kelleher and Tom Stewart are the hookers in the squad with Dan Sheehan rested, while there is no place for Bundee Aki despite his availability after his ban.
Ireland XV: 1 Tom O’Toole, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Jack Conan, 7 Nick Timoney, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 Jacob Stockdale, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Robert Baloucoune; 15 Jamie Osborne.
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 Ciaran Frawley.
Our team for Friday night. pic.twitter.com/avekU50RoH
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 4, 2026
Why are Wales not wearing red kits tonight?
19:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou may notice a little later that Wales are not sporting their usual red kits this evening - with good reason, too.
Why are Wales not wearing red shirts against Ireland in the Six Nations?
Six Nations 2026 schedule in full: Fixtures and results
18:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleNeed a reminder of all of the Six Nations action so far and the fixtures still to come in the championship? We’ve got you covered:
Dewi Lake admits there is an 'obvious gulf' between the two sides
18:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleDewi Lake admits last year's British and Irish Lions selection highlights "an obvious gulf" between Wales and Ireland.
But the Wales captain is relishing the underdog role and insists his side are capable of springing an upset in Dublin to end a run of 14 consecutive Guinness Six Nations defeats.
Flanker Jac Morgan, who is currently injured, and scrum-half Tomos Williams were the only two Welshmen picked by Ireland head coach Andy Farrell for the Lions' triumphant 2025 series in Australia.
Ireland ultimately had 18 players on that tour, including three late additions as injury cover.
Speaking about the selection ahead of the first meeting between the teams since, Ospreys hooker Lake said: "It can't not (show the difference), really, can it?
"Ultimately over the last 12 months, we haven't been good enough as a team.
"I think the two individuals, Tomos and Jac, are world-class players, fully deserved to be on that tour. We haven't put enough results together, we haven't shown the team and the individuals we can be over the last 12 months.
"Obviously Ireland are a team that massively have grown and are a top-class team. It shows an obvious gulf at the minute. But, on our day, we believe we can beat anyone."
World Rugby responds to questions over future of scrums and bid to make sport ‘quicker and simpler’ for fans
18:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt was equally interesting to listen to World Rugby explain its vision for the future of the sport last week:
How World Rugby is planning to make sport ‘quicker and simpler’
Is rugby any closer to answering the complex brain injury question?
18:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe’ll get back to the build-up to today’s game in a bit, but first an important topic again in the news this week - the complex concussion question continues to trouble rugby:
Is rugby any closer to answering the complex brain injury question?
Captain Caelan Doris insists Ireland are nowhere near their potential
18:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleCaptain Caelan Doris insists Ireland are "nowhere near" realising their full potential as they chase the minimum of the Triple Crown following a record win away to England.
Andy Farrell's side retain an outside chance of reclaiming the Six Nations title ahead of back-to-back home games against Wales and Scotland.
Following a deflating opening defeat to table-topping France in Paris and a narrow Dublin victory over Italy, Ireland silenced their critics with a thumping 42-21 bonus-point success at Twickenham in round three.
"Obviously there's a positive feeling after a good performance like that but it's about the bigger picture, really, and it's about continuing to grow," said Doris ahead of the clash with Wales.
"We know we're nowhere near our potential as a team and there's a lot of hard work to be put in, and there's a long journey for us to go on still.
"It was back to hard work, back to the learnings from the game, of which there were some, as well as some good stuff. It's just about building on it.
"We've got a pretty clear plan of where we want to go in terms of structures and the way we want to play and it's about chasing that down week on week."
Andy Farrell expects talks over future
18:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndy Farrell expects to hold talks about his future as Ireland head coach in the "near future" following reports linking him with Saracens.
The Gallagher Prem club last week dismissed claims they had offered the 50-year-old a coaching role for after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, branding them "disrespectful".
Farrell, who is preparing for Ireland's Guinness Six Nations match at home to Wales on Friday evening, was a Sarries player between 2005 and 2009 and also began his coaching career there.
His son - former England captain Owen Farrell - is back playing with the English side following a brief spell with French club Racing 92.
Farrell succeeded Joe Schmidt as Ireland head coach in 2019 and signed a new "long-term" deal with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) in December 2023 to continue until next year's World Cup in Australia.
"I mean, you'd expect me to say that I'm here to just concentrate on the Six Nations and what will be, will be in the future," he said of the links to Saracens.
"But I suppose it's people (putting) two and two together and making five with the connections: good friends with the owner, Owen's there, all of that.
"You can see why that's happened but I suppose we'll sit down and have discussions with the IRFU in the near future, that's for sure."
Saracens respond to ‘disrespectful’ speculation linking Andy Farrell with return to club
17:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland have in the last week or so had to deal with questions over the future of Andy Farrell, who has been strongly linked with Saracens:
Saracens respond to speculation linking Ireland boss Andy Farrell with return
Eddie James insists Wales will 'have a go' at Ireland
17:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleEddie James says Wales will take a front-foot approach against Ireland, despite being Six Nations underdogs.
Wales are looking to end a run of 14 straight Six Nations defeats in Dublin tonight.
Steve Tandy's side are bottom of the Championship after three rounds of matches, while Ireland revived title hopes after racking up their highest-ever points tally at Allianz Stadium with a stunning 42-21 victory over England.
"We don't go into any game thinking we can't win," said Scarlets centre James.
"That's not the mindset to have in any professional sport. We're definitely going there to put our best foot forward and have a go at them.
"Ireland are a top side, they've got threats everywhere and are a well-drilled team. But for us it's building from our performance against Scotland and trying to implement that into Ireland. It's going to be a big ask, but one we're looking forward to."
Paul O'Connell insists Ireland won't be distracted by triple crown
17:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAssistant coach Paul O'Connell insists Ireland will not be sidetracked by talk of a potential triple crown following the jubilation of a historic win over England.
Andy Farrell's side return to Six Nations action at home to winless Wales on Friday evening after celebrating a record 42-21 victory at Twickenham in round three.
Ireland, who retain an outside chance of winning the championship title, will then take on Scotland in Dublin next Saturday.
"I think particularly after a good result against England, you just want to focus on the next game and the next thing, and even the next training session really is what the lads were talking about," O'Connell told reporters on Monday.
"It's only about getting better from the last performance, even though it was a good result.
"There's plenty of things we have to improve on and that's been the sole focus. We haven't discussed trophies or silverware or anything like that.
"We might. I think we always come into a campaign trying to win it and we don't shy away from it. I'm sure Andy has a meeting tomorrow, he might mention it, I don't know.
"Really, the focus for us as coaches and players has just been about getting set for the Welsh game."
Dan Edwards makes Wales return in three changes for Ireland Six Nations showdown
17:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales have made three changes, including the return of fly half Dan Edwards, as they bid to end their Six Nations losing streak in Ireland on Friday.
Back-rower James Botham replaces the injured Taine Plumtree to make his first start in this season’s tournament, with Alex Mann switching to blindside flanker to accommodate his Cardiff colleague.
Fly half Edwards, who started the opening two games against England and France before being dropped, comes back in for the injured Sam Costelow.
Dan Edwards makes Wales return in three changes for Ireland Six Nations showdown
Ireland make five changes for Wales clash as Nick Timoney handed first Six Nations start
17:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland back-rower Nick Timoney will make his first Six Nations start as part of five personnel changes for Friday evening's round-four clash with Wales in Dublin.
The 30-year-old Ulster player replaces Josh van der Flier at openside flanker following impressive cameos in the opening defeat to France and subsequent victories over Italy and England.
Jack Conan, who was a late withdrawal from the bench ahead of the 42-21 bonus-point win at Twickenham on 21 February due to illness, is recalled at blindside flanker, while loosehead prop Tom O'Toole and hooker Ronan Kelleher also come into the forward pack.
Jacob Stockdale replaces the injured James Lowe on the left wing in the only alteration to the backline.
Ireland hand Timoney first Six Nations start for Wales clash
Ireland vs Wales live
17:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleA famous Six Nations rivalry renews again in Dublin with Ireland and Wales set for battle under the Friday night lights. For the hosts, this is a chance to further their title hopes and put the pressure on France (and Scotland) before the pair meet at Murrayfield tomorrow. For Wales? Well, victory may feel a long shot but there were huge positives to take from their last outing in Cardiff, and they are confident they can mix it with Ireland tonight.
Kick off at the Aviva Stadium is at 8.10pm GMT.
