Ireland vs Wales Six Nations Clash: TV Channel, Kick-off Time and Team News
Ireland will aim to build on a significant Six Nations victory over England as they welcome Wales to Dublin for a crucial tournament fixture. Andy Farrell's side delivered one of their finest recent performances, securing a record win at Twickenham before the competition's fallow week, which has kept their title aspirations very much alive.
Welsh Team Seeks First Tournament Success in Three Years
They now face a Welsh team that is still searching for a first tournament success in three years but has been buoyed by a vastly improved showing against Scotland a fortnight ago. A trip to Dublin will provide a stern test as Steve Tandy and his squad look to continue their growth and development on the international stage.
Essential Match Information for Viewers
Here is everything you need to know ahead of this highly anticipated Six Nations encounter. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8.10pm GMT on Friday 6 March at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with comprehensive coverage on the channel beginning from 7.20pm GMT. A live stream will also be available via the ITVX platform for those preferring to watch online.
Ireland Team News and Selection
Andy Farrell has named an Ulster-heavy side following their strong form in the United Rugby Championship this season. Tom O'Toole, Nick Timoney, and Jacob Stockdale join Stuart McCloskey and Robert Baloucoune in the starting fifteen, while scrum-half Nathan Doak is primed for a potential debut off the bench. Ronan Kelleher and Tom Stewart are the hookers in the squad with Dan Sheehan rested, and there is no place for Bundee Aki despite his availability after serving a ban.
Wales Team Updates and Debutant
With Sam Costelow ruled out, Dan Edwards returns to take over at fly-half in a slightly tweaked Welsh team. James Botham comes into the back row after an injury to Taine Plumtree, while Ellis Mee is back on the wing at the expense of Gabriel Hamer-Webb. There was a slight fitness doubt over Aaron Wainwright, but the number eight has been selected to start. Bath centre Louie Hennessey is set to win his first cap from the bench, adding fresh talent to the Welsh lineup.
Confirmed Starting Line-ups and Replacements
Ireland XV: 1 Tom O’Toole, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Jack Conan, 7 Nick Timoney, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 Jacob Stockdale, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Robert Baloucoune; 15 Jamie Osborne.
Replacements: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Joe McCarthy, 20 Josh van der Flier; 21 Nathan Doak, 22 Tom Farrell, 23 Ciaran Frawley.
Wales XV: 1 Rhys Carre, 2 Dewi Lake (capt.), 3 Tomas Francis; 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Ben Carter; 6 Alex Mann, 7 James Botham, 8 Aaron Wainwright; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Dan Edwards; 11 Josh Adams, 12 Joe Hawkins, 13 Eddie James, 14 Ellis Mee; 15 Louis Rees-Zammit.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Adam Beard, 20 Olly Cracknell; 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Louie Hennessey.
