Wales vs Ireland
Wales welcome Ireland to the Principality Stadium to kick of the 2023 Six Nations Championships. This year the competition has added significance as it is a World Cup year. Wales have reappointed Warren Gatland as their head coach following the dismissal of Wayne Pavic. The home team could not have asked for a tougher first match as they come up against the tournament favourites. Ireland on the other hand will be weary of the Gatland inspired hosts who always seem to play their best rugby in front of a packed stadium. Ireland will be delighted to have their captain Johnny Sexton back for this opening match.
TIP: Wales will be determined to improve on their showing from last year’s competition where they finished second last on the table, winning just one of their six matches. Their campaign also included an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Italians. Ireland will be looking to go one better than season where they finished as runners up to champions France. They have a favourable draw this season and are rightly the favourites to lift the title. The bookies have Ireland as favourites but I’m tipping Wales for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Playabets 3.35, Gbets 3.30 and Betway 3.30
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Wales vs Ireland
- Ireland have won four of the last five matches between these sides.
- The last five matches between the sides have been won by the home team.
Latest results for both teams
Wales lost 39-34 to Australia in their last match while Ireland beat Australia 13-10 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Coach Gatland has selected a team with an excellent blend of youth and experience which will be key against a well-oiled Irish machine led by their talisman, Johnny Sexton. One of the highlights of the match will be Sexton up against his opposite number Dan Biggar. This is just one of many head to head match ups in this encounter. Wales will need to improve their defensive effort in this match as Ireland have been superb in attack especially when Sexton is pulling the strings. The home team will be cautious to start the match as they know if Ireland build an early lead they are often uncatchable. The return of Gatland will see Wales shock Ireland by three points
Probable Starting XVs
Wales
15 Liam Williams, 14 Josh Adams, 13 George North, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Jac Morgan, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Adam Beard, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens (c), 1 Gareth Thomas
Ireland
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 James Lowe, 10 Johnny Sexton (c), 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 James Ryan, 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Wales victory are as follows:
Playabets 3.35
Gbets 3.30
Betway 3.30
Odds comparison on the Wales handicap:
The complete odds on the Wales handicap:
Playabets 1.90(+6.5)
Gbets 1.85(+6.5)
Betway 1.87(+6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are excellent returns on the Wales upset win but if looking for a safer bet, then I suggests the home on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Playabets 1.90(+6.5), Gbets 1.85(+6.5) and Betway 1.87(+6.5)
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
