Wales v Ireland: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Ireland's excellent start to the Six Nations means Andy Farrell's absence has almost gone unnoticed and they can complete the Triple Crown with a victory against Wales.

Caretaker Simon Easterby has steered the team to wins over England and Scotland to leave them top of the table and in line for an unprecedented third-straight Championship success in the Six Nations era.

Easterby's excellence has even seen him mentioned as a candidate to be Wales boss after Warren Gatland stepped down following humbling defeats to France and Italy.

Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt has been placed in temporary charge and has recalled some big names, with both sides making changes.

The hosts could take time to gel and a 15th Test defeat beckons. Meanwhile, for Ireland, they can add to their 4/5 hopes of a Grand Slam ahead of matches against France and Italy.

Wales v Ireland betting tips and predictions

Ireland to win by 21-30 points - 13/5

Ireland are 10/11 carrying a -22.5 handicap. That feels about right and punters can take advantage by instead backing the visitors to triumph by 21-30 points.

The final scorelines in the 27-22 win over England and the 32-18 triumph in Scotland flattered their opponents. However, it seems unlikely that Wales will be able to mount enough momentum to take advantage of any Irish lapses in concentration.

Their 43-0 loss in France and 22-15 defeat to Italy were too much for Gatland and Sherratt's decision to bring some experienced heads back into the squad looks sensible, with fly-half Gareth Anscombe sure to add some direction to their play and a reliable goal-kicking option.

Ireland have also made changes but six of the seven incoming players are from Leinster and should have no issues fitting in.

Sherratt's eight alterations and two personnel switches means Wales' XV looks more rounded but the familiarity and class running through the visitors suggests they will ease to a third victory and make it a 15th straight Test loss for their hosts.

Dan Sheehan to score two or more tries - 13/5

Named captain in Caelan Doris' absence, Dan Sheehan leads Ireland in Cardiff and looks a likely try scorer at 4/7.

The hooker is an expert in the tight, either picking and going or controlling the ball in the maul, but he also trusts his pace to hold his width in attack, enabling him to score tries out wide.

That's how Sheehan scored in the opening round against England and he may have come into the side even without Ronan Kelleher's injury.

The 26-year-old scored in last year's victory over Wales and could grab a third international brace.

Sheehan may still feel he has a point to prove after recovering from a serious knee injury sustained last year and he can confirm that he is back to his best with a big performance.

Jack Conan anytime tryscorer - 19/10

Doris' replacement in the back row is Jack Conan, who is going the right way about being selected for a second Lions tour.

The Leinsterman was the starting number eight in all three Tests against South Africa in 2021 and while he has been surpassed by his Leinster colleague at both club and international level, he seems comfortable with his newfound status.

Conan came on with half an hour to go against both England and Scotland and used his time to empty the tank. He scored a try at Murrayfield and Lions boss Farrell might want to use him as a 'finisher' against Australia in the summer.

Starting matches brings different challenges but like Sheehan, the 32-year-old's position at the back of the scrum means he is likely to see lots of the ball.

The score in Scotland was his 11th Test touchdown and he has an excellent chance of adding to his tally on Saturday.

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Wales v Ireland odds

Wales - 16/1
Ireland - 1/66

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.