Wales face another tough Six Nations Test this week, facing Ireland as they look to avoid a third consecutive wooden spoon.
This has been another frustrating campaign for Wales, who have just one point to their name after heavy defeats by England and France.
They came close to ending their now 14-match losing run in the Six Nations as they faced Scotland last time out, though. They led for 75 minutes of that match, holding a 20-5 advantage shortly after half-time, but a spirited Finn Russell-inspired comeback saw the Scots edge out a 26-23 victory.
While the result was ultimately disappointing, the performance is one from which Wales can take great heart - though they will have their work cut out for them as they return from a fallow week and trot out under the lights in Dublin on Friday.
Ireland, meanwhile, are in fine form. They have roared back after a humbling defeat by reigning champions France at the tournament’s opening ceremony, edging past Italy before trouncing England at Twickenham by a record margin last time around.
And they will be confident of claiming the second win of a Triple Crown here, against a Wales side they have beat eight times in their last nine meetings.
Here is everything you need to know about the match...
Ireland vs Wales date, kick-off time and venue
Ireland vs Wales takes place on Friday March 6, 2026, at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8.10pm GMT.
How to watch Ireland vs Wales
TV channel: In the UK, Ireland vs Wales is being shown live and free to air on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7.20pm GMT ahead of an 8.10pm kick-off.
Live stream: Fans can also watch the game live online via the ITVX website and app, which is available to those with a valid TV license.
Ireland vs Wales team news
Andy Farrell has made five personnel changes to face Wales.
Wing James Lowe started at Twickenham but hobbled off with a groin injury which will see him miss the remainder of the campaign, with Jacob Stockdale called up to replace him - the only change to the backs.
Back-rower Nick Timoney will start in the Six Nations for the first time, replacing Josh van der Flier at openside flanker.
After impressing against England, Jamison Gibson-Park keeps his place and will earn his fiftieth cap. Robert Baloucoune also reprises his role.
Sam Prendergast is left out of the squad again with Jack Crowley preferred after he kicked 17 points at Twickenham.
Bundee Aki is a surprise omission despite serving his four-match suspension.
Steve Tandy has also been forced to make changes to his side after injuries to flanker Taine Plumtree and fly-half Sam Costelow, both of Scarlets.
They are replaced by James Botham and Ellis Mee, respectively, the latter starting on the wing as Dan Edwards starts at half-back. He had started every match of the Tandy era before he was dropped for the Scotland Test, but Costelow’s injury sees him return to the XV.
Dafydd Jenkins, who has made more tackles thus far in the competition than any other player, reprises his role alongside Ben Carter.
Louie Hennessey of Bath is named to the bench and stands to make his international debut.
Speaking on his selection, Tandy said: "This week it's about backing up the performance against Scotland. Going away from home is a different type of environment for our group, but the focus for us is really improving on what we did last game.
"I thought the defence against Scotland was much improved so we definitely want to double down on that going to Ireland.”
Ireland vs Wales lineups
Ireland XV: Osborne, Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Stockdale, Crowley, Gibson-Park; O'Toole, Kelleher, Furlong, Ryan, Beirne, Conan, Timoney, Doris
Replacements: Stewart, Milne, Clarkson, McCarthy, Van der Flier, Doak, Farrell, Frawley
Wales XV: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, Hawkins, Adams; Edwards, Williams; Carre, Lake, Francis, Jenkins, Carter, Mann, Wainwright, Botham
Replacements: Elias, Smith, Griffin, Beard, Cracknell, Hardy, Evans, Hennessey
Ireland vs Wales head to head (h2h) history and results
While Wales lead the overall head to head, they are without a win against their cross-sea neighbours since 2021. That was Ireland’s only defeat in their last nine meetings with Wales.
Ireland wins: 59
Wales wins: 70
Draws: 7
Ireland vs Wales prediction
Wales do not seem to face many easy matches these days, and this one should prove similarly testing.
While they will no doubt be buoyed by last week’s valiant performance against Scotland, the fact remains that they failed to convert a 15-point second-half lead to victory - something that may well have caused Tandy some sleepless nights through the fallow week.
Ireland, meanwhile, are riding high. Day one defeat was followed by a gritty win over Italy and a rout of their most bitter rivals at Twickenham, sending morale in the camp soaring.
The mood is up, the squad is on form and well rested, and they will know that they boast definite quality over Friday’s visitors.
Many will regard this match as a foregone conclusion.
Ireland to win by 25 points.
Ireland vs Wales match odds
Ireland to win: 1/40
Wales to win: 20/1
Draw: 50/1
Odds via BetFair (Subject to change)
