Ireland vs Wales Prediction: Tandy’s men can beat the handicap in Dublin

Wales might be on course for another Six Nations wooden spoon, but there were encouraging signs in their recent defeat to Scotland.

They now face an Ireland team (Friday 20:10, Live on ITV1) who still harbour hopes of taking the title, but have had issues of their own in this year’s tournament. You have to go back to 2015 for the last time Wales won in Dublin and it looks like a very big task to end that run, but they can be competitive. Read on for my Ireland vs Wales predictions.

Team News

Despite an impressive win at Twickenham two weeks ago, Andy Farrell has decided to make five changes to his Ireland starting XV.

Ulster back row Nick Timoney is handed a Six Nations debut, while Jack Conan is recalled after missing the victory over England due to illness.

Two changes in the front row see Tom O’Toole replace the injured Jeremy Loughman, while Ronan Kelleher starts at hooker.

The only change in the backline is Jacob Stockdale coming in on the left wing, replacing James Lowe, who is sidelined with a groin injury.

The visitors make three changes from the team that started the 26-23 defeat to Scotland in Cardiff last month.

Winger Ellis Mee is recalled to the XV, in place of Gabriel Hamer-Webb, while flanker James Botham and fly-half Dan Edwards are handed starts.

Despite injury concerns, number eight Aaron Wainwright is fit to feature, while young centre Louie Hennessey is in line to make his Wales debut off the bench.

Ireland vs Wales Odds

Having won the last four meetings between the two sides, it’s not a surprise to see Ireland the 1/25 favourites to claim victory on Friday night.

Wales are as big as 10/1 to pull off a surprise Six Nations win in Dublin, while the draw can be backed at 25/1.

Handicap - Wales +27 @ 5/6

Many were expecting Wales to be on the end of another heavy defeat against Scotland, although Steve Tandy’s men were ahead 17-5 at the break.

A second-half fightback saw the visitors snatch a three-point victory, but the Wales coach will have taken plenty of positives out of a much-improved display.

Even though a victory in Ireland looks beyond them, a 26-point lead on the handicap looks like a healthy advantage.

The last four meetings between the two sides have seen the Irish win, but Wales have stayed inside Friday’s handicap total and it could be a similar story this time.

Anytime Try Scorer - Jamie Osborne @ 5/4

Leinster full-back Osborne has been a key player since his international debut in 2024 and he was among the tryscorers in the win over England.

The British and Irish Lions squad member made his Six Nations debut in last year’s clash with Wales at the Principality Stadium.

Ireland won that match 18-27 with Osbourne scoring one of the visitors’ two tries and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him cross the whitewash again.

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