WALES couldn’t have asked for a tougher start to their Six Nations campaign as they’ll be taking on Ireland – the world’s number one rugby team.
Ireland had an incredible 12 months having beaten rugby giants South Africa and Australia.
And Andy Farrell made history in June 2022 by recording a victory over New Zealand on their own turf for the first time ever.
However, Ireland have lost their last four Six Nations fixtures in Cardiff since defeating Wales over a decade ago.
But Farrell’s men humiliated Wales when the side’s last met back in February 2022.
When is Wales vs Ireland?
- Wales’s Six Nations match against Ireland will take place on Saturday, February 4.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 2:15pm GMT
- Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales is the allocated arena for this match and it can host a staggering 74,500 fans.
- Ireland thrashed Wales 29-7 in their Six Nations opener last year.
What channel is Wales vs Ireland on and can it be live streamed?
- Wales vs Ireland will be broadcast LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
- Coverage is set to commence from 1:15pm GMT – a whole hour before kick-off.
- Alternatively, fans can stream the entire action live on the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer app.
Can I watch it for FREE?
Yes! Wales’ mouthwatering contest against Ireland can be watched FREE in the UK as long as you have a valid TV licence.
What is the team news?
Ireland boss Andy Farrell has opted to name an uncapped player in Mack Hansen to the starting line-up.
However, he’ll be led by captain Johnny Sexton who has made 52 appearances in the tournament alone.
Wales: 15 Williams; 14 Adams, 13 North, 12 Hawkins, 11 Dyer; 10 Biggar, 9 Williams; 1 Thomas, 2 Owens (capt), 3 Francis, 4 Beard, 5 Wyn Jones, 6 Morgan, 7 Tipuric, 8 Faletau
Replacements: 16 Baldwin, 17 Carre, 18 Lewis, 19 Jenkins 20 Reffell, 21 Webb, 22 Williams, 23 Cuthbert
Ireland: 15 Keenan; 14 Hansen, 13 Ringrose, 12 McCloskey, 11 Lowe; 10 Sexton (capt), 9 Gibson-Park; 1 Porter, 2 Sheehan, 3 Bealham, 4 Beirne, 5 Ryan, 6 O’Mahony, 7 Van der Flier, 8 Doris
Replacements: 16 Herring, 17 Healy, 18 O’Toole, 19 Henderson, 20 Conan, 21 Murray, 22 Byrne, 23 Aki
What are the odds?
- Wales 23/10
- Draw 30/1
- Ireland 4/1
*Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct at time of publication