Ireland v Wales: Six Nations rugby betting preview, odds, stats and free tip

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for Ireland v Wales in the 2020 Six Nations.

Where to watch

ITV & S4C, 2.15pm Saturday

Best bet

Wales +4
2pts 10-11 Sky Bet

Match preview

Ireland and Wales will be placing huge importance on this fixture in Dublin as both teams are facing trips to Twickenham to play England in the coming weeks.

Both sides began their Six Nations campaigns with wins, albeit in different circumstances. Wayne Pivac's first Six Nations game in charge of Wales was a routine victory over a bitterly disappointing Italy while Ireland struggled their way to victory over Scotland in Dublin.

The Irish performance was reminiscent of their difficult 2019 season, when scoring tries proved a challenge.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell will be delighted to be able to bring Robbie Henshaw back into his starting line-up and his battle with Welsh centre Nick Tompkins, who makes his first international start, could be crucial.

The sides have been evenly matched in recent years with their last ten Six Nations clashes bringing five wins for Wales, four for Ireland and one draw.

Ireland beat Wales home and away in preparation for the World Cup, and the Welsh have not won in Dublin since a 23-21 success in 2012.

This represents a real opportunity for Pivac to make a statement that he belongs at the top level and for his team to announce themselves as title contenders.

It is somewhat surprising that Wales are going under the radar with the bookmakers for this tournament. They are reigning Grand Slam champions and were World Cup semi-finalists.

Pivac's tenure has not started with radical change and he has solid foundations to build from.

Ireland's formidable home record in the Six Nations is worth noting. They have won 16 of their last 17 Six Nations matches at the Aviva Stadium, the only blemish being against England at the start of last year's championship.

It is arguable that Ireland never recovered from that opening defeat, despite winning their next three games, and they were outclassed by Wales in Cardiff.

The Welsh defence laid the foundations for their Grand Slam in 2019 and they started this tournament superbly with their first clean sheet since a 66-0 win over Fiji at the 2011 World Cup.

This will be a sterner examination but it is one that Wales can pass and they look well worth backing as handicap underdogs.

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