Ireland vs Wales, Six Nations 2024: Kick-off time, TV channel, live stream, team news, lineups, odds today
Ireland today look to continue their seemingly inexorable march towards a second successive Six Nations Grand Slam title when they host Wales in Dublin to kick off round three.
The defending champions have been operating on a totally different level to all of their rugby rivals in this competition so far, showing no hangover whatsoever from yet more World Cup heartache in the autumn by ruthlessly notching up their biggest-ever win in France on opening night before then shutting out Italy 36-0 last time out.
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Andy Farrell’s side are huge favourites to continue that winning run after the first rest weekend against a young Wales team that have certainly had their moments in recent weeks but frustratingly with no results to show for it so far.
An epic second-half fightback from 27-0 down against Scotland in Cardiff on opening weekend fell agonisingly just short, while they then led by nine points at half-time at Twickenham in round two before succumbing to another narrow loss against rivals England.
Ireland vs Wales date, kick-off time and venue
Ireland vs Wales takes place today, Saturday February 24, 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 2:15pm GMT.
The Aviva Stadium in Dublin will host the contest.
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 starting at 1:25pm.
The match can also be viewed live on Welsh-language channel S4C, where the programme starts at 1:30pm.
Live stream: You can watch the game live and for free online via the ITVX app and ITVX website.
Live blog: Follow all the action on Saturday with Standard Sport’s live match blog.
Ireland vs Wales team news
Warren Gatland has made just one change to the Wales team that were edged out by England at Twickenham a fortnight ago.
It comes at fly-half, with Sam Costelow replacing Scarlets team-mate Ioan Lloyd after recovering from a neck issue suffered against Scotland.
Cardiff back-rower Mackenzie Martin is set to become the latest Wales Test debutant from the bench, while Harlequins tighthead Dillon Lewis will make his first appearance of the Six Nations when he comes on.
Caelan Doris captained Ireland against Italy in the absence of the rested Peter O’Mahony and is fit to face Wales after carrying a few knocks. O’Mahony is also in the XV and will reassume leadership duties.
Lock Iain Henderson is out with a foot injury and the Men in Green are also missing full-back Hugo Keenan, after a knee issue forced him off in the six-try victory over the Azzurri. Leinster’s Ciaran Frawley earns his first Ireland start as a result.
Munster prop Oli Jager, meanwhile, is set to win his first cap off the bench. It is the same starting XV that lined up against France on opening night, bar the enforced Frawley for Keenan change.
Ireland vs Wales lineups
Wales XV: Winnett; Adams, North, Tompkins, Dyer; Costelow, T Williams; G Thomas, Dee, Assiratti; Jenkins (c), Beard; Mann, Reffell, Wainwright
Replacements: Elias, Domachowski, D Lewis, Rowlands, M Martin, Hardy, I Lloyd, Grady
Ireland XV: Frawley; Nash, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; McCarthy, Beirne; O’Mahony (c), Van der Flier, Doris
Replacements: Kelleher, Healy, Jager, Ryan, Baird, Conan, Murray, McCloskey
Ireland vs Wales head to head (h2h) history and results
Ireland have won six of the last seven games between these two nations, including back-to-back meetings in the Six Nations.
Wales are without a win in this competition in Dublin since their 2012 Grand Slam under Gatland, while they last beat Ireland in Cardiff in 2021.
Ireland wins: 57
Wales wins: 70
Draws: 7
Ireland vs Wales prediction
Ireland continue to go from strength to strength under Farrell, quickly banishing memories of that galling World Cup quarter-final loss to New Zealand.
The huge opening night win over France in Marseille sent an ominous message and Italy were then easily brushed aside, a fate that also likely awaits youthful Wales at the fortress Aviva on Saturday.
The second half against Scotland was electric and they ran England close in a fierce battle, but this is a whole different challenge that awaits Gatland’s inexperienced side in Dublin and one they seem very unlikely to be properly prepared for at this stage of their development.
Ireland to win, by 20 points.
Ireland vs Wales match odds
Ireland to win: 1/25
Wales to win: 14/1
Draw: 50/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
