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The 2019 Six Nations title will be on the line when Wales and Ireland square off in a massive clash on Saturday, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. A Welsh win would see the hosts not only lift the trophy, but also secure a historic Grand Slam. Ireland’s chances for the title are slim, but they exist – the visitors have to win and hope Scotland gets a result in England in the last match of the day.
Rated as the third favorite for the title before the tournament, Wales has been excellent throughout the competition and recorded 4 wins out of 4 matches. In fact, the Welsh now have 13 wins in a row, which is a testament to the strength of this group. It hasn`t always been pretty, and Wales hasn`t always played spectacular rugby, but they managed to win even on their off days – like it was the case in France in the opening match of this tournament. After coming back from 16 down to win that in Paris, Wales went on to take care of Italy, England and Scotland in order to set up this monumental clash with Ireland at home.
The Irish started their title defense in the worst way possible, being outplayed by England in a 20-32 loss at home. Ireland has been on the back foot ever since, and failed to impress in the next two games despite wins in Scotland and Italy. Their best performance came last week against France, when Ireland controlled the match from start to finish, winning much more easily than the 26-14 scoreline suggests.
Bet on Wales vs Ireland and get your 100% (120 Eur) welcome bonus at LSbet now!Team news & lineups:
Wales has no new injury concerns and will field the same lineup which won in Scotland last weekend.
Ireland will be buoyed by the return of key men O’Brien and Kearney – two of the three changes made to the lineup which beat France.
Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Ross Moriarty, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Josh Navidi, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Adam Beard, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Rob Evans
Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 CJ Stander, 7 Sean O’Brien, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 James Ryan, 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Cian Healy
H2H matches between Wales and Ireland have often been on the wire recently, with no team appearing to have a matchup advantage over the other. It seams like each team is claiming the win every other year. Last season it was Ireland`s turn, with a 37-27 win in Dublin.
Ireland did show improvement last week against France, and the visitors will try to build on that. They remain a top class side, they are in good health with key players returning from injury, and will only have the win in mind coming into Cardiff.
However, it will be a very tough proposition for Ireland to win here against this strong Welsh side, in what will be an absolutely electric atmosphere.
Ireland`s offense will be a particular concern for them, as they have not been clicking at all on attack in this tournament, and they will be up against an exceptional Welsh defense (the best in the tournament). Wales has been incredibly resilient when it comes to defending this year, and they should be even more willing to sacrifice today, with the big occasion and the fans behind them. Ireland might well have a tough time scoring tries, and that could be their doom.
The Irish also come into this match having one less day of rest than Wales, which could end up making a difference in what should be an exhausting clash.
Wales is just finding ways to win games, no matter if they are on a good day or not. They just took care of a red hot English team at this stadium a few weeks ago, and they will not be scared of Ireland.
The roof will stay open despite the fact that weather is not expected to be the best. There will be showers of rain during the day, possibly at game time as well, while the wind will be above average (but not particularly strong). These conditions are unlikely to favor one team over the other, but might make it more difficult to score (in what is already expected to be a low scoring affair).
It`s difficult to believe a Welsh team as strong as this one, in such good form, will lose after 13 straight wins when a Grand Slam and a Six Nations title is on the line. Especially not in Cardiff, where they are always absolute beasts, and not against an Irish team which looks to be a tad below its top level. Despite the improvement shown against France, Ireland has had problems throughout this tournament. While still dangerous, they do seem a bit shaky, and if they are not at their best, they will not be able to win this.
Expect a cracking game between two fine teams, but Wales has edged these kind of games time and time again recently, and they are likely to do it one more time with the help of the crucially important home court advantage.
I said Wales could win the entire thing before the tournament started, and I have no reason to change that opinion now. My tip will be Wales to win. Prediction: Wales – Ireland 19 – 15.
Pick: Wales
Odds: 1.85 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 6.80
Event date: 16 March
