Ireland open up their Six Nations campaign on Saturday with the visit of defending champions Wales to Lansdowne Road.
The Aviva Stadium is the venue as Andy Farrell’s side look to continue the momentum of a flawless autumn series that saw wins over Japan, Argentina and the All Blacks.
The coach expects to have a fully-fit squad to choose from as Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson and James Ryan look set to shake of knocks.
All three have been missing from Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship games in recent weeks but hope to be fit and fighting for the Six Nations curtain-raiser.
Out-half Johnny Sexton is raring to go after missing two months following his injury in the 29-20 win over New Zealand.
And his deputy in the number ten shirt, Joey Carbery, is also set to be fit despite having not played since fracturing his elbow against Wasps in December.
Wales will be without their influential captain Alun-Wyn Jones, who hasn’t fully recovered after twice undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury sustained in the Autumn series.
Jones is one of seven British Lions tourists missing for the Dragons alongside George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Ken Owens, Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau.
What date is the match?
Saturday, February 5, 2022.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is 2.15pm.
Where is the match?
The Aviva Stadium, Lansdowne Road, Dublin hosts the game.
Who is the referee?
Jaco Peyper of South Africa will take charge of the game.
Are there tickets available?
The game is a total sell-out.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be shown live in the Republic of Ireland on RTÉ 2 from 1pm.
Can I stream it online?
Republic of Ireland residents can watch the game on the RTÉ Player here.
Who are they key players to watch?
As always in games between Ireland and Wales, the back row battle will be key with both sides stacked in that department.
Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier have both been nominated for European Player of the Year and they’ll have their work cut out against an abrasive Welsh pack.
And Munster backrow colleague Tadgh Beirne has emerged as one of Ireland’s most influential players, though he can as easily slot into the second row.
The absence of Faletau, Tipuric and Navidi could be key as the trio would make a world class back row on their own.
A lot of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Cardiff Blues blindside Ellis Jenkins , therefore, to bring physicality to the breakdown.
Should Wales gain parity in the physical battle, that might free up the prodigiously-talented Dragons openside Taine Basham to make a name for himself on the international stage.
Quotes Corner:
Ireland coach Farrell said: “This is a new competition, the Six Nations is like no other, the autumn has gone
“Yes, there were some decent performances but we want to be better, we want to kick on, we want to see who is hungry enough to be in that frame of mind.
“We want to deliver a trophy every single time we enter a competition and this year is certainly no different.
“There is a good foundation that’s been built and there is a real belief in how we’re trying to play the game. The aim is 100 per cent to kick on.”
Wales captain Biggar added: “Whenever I get asked who has been the most difficult person to play against of the last 10-12 years, there is no doubt Johnny [Sexton]’s name would be very near the top.
“He is very similar to myself in terms of the drive, the will to win, scrapping for absolutely everything on the field.
“It’s a testament to him in how he has managed to handle himself and keep his form going into his mid-30s. I don’t think anyone is sure how old he really is!
“He is going really strong, and I’ve got a huge amount of time for Johnny. There are very few people more deserving of 100 caps in international rugby than Johnny.
“It is always a challenge playing against him. We may not be the best of friends for 80 minutes on the pitch and quite narky at each other.
“But away from the field, he is an absolute pleasure to deal with and I have a huge amount of time for him.”
Betting:
Ireland 10/11; Draw 22/1; Wales 10/11.
