Wales vs Ireland Six Nations prediction, odds and betting tips
All eyes will be on the Principality Stadium in Cardiff this weekend as Wales play host to Ireland in the first game of the 2023 Six Nations.
Ireland will be looking to win this year’s tournament and cement their status as world number one, and they will come up against a Wales side that will be hoping to turn things around under a returning Warren Gatland. Let’s see how the bookies think this is going to play out.
Wales vs Ireland odds
Here are the latest match odds for Wales vs Ireland from bet365.
- Wales: 9/4
- Tie: 22/1
- Ireland: 2/5
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Wales vs Ireland Prediction
World number one Ireland will come into this year’s Six Nations hoping to go one further than last year’s runners-up finish. All of the ingredients are in place for a successful tournament but an opening game in Cardiff is going to be an early test of their championship credentials.
Ireland are favourites to win the match, and they can be found at 2/5 with Bet365. The Irish have not always had the easiest ride in Wales though, failing to win in their last four Six-Nations encounters at the Principality. However, this Ireland is a different beast altogether, and they will hope to replicate their comfortable 2022 opening-day victory over the Welsh this time around.
The Welsh will be hoping to bounce back from a dreadul run of form, with the return of Warren Gatland as coach revitalising belief in the squad. Their last two outings at home have both ended with a loss. The first was a dramatic late defeat to Georgia, a result that put the rugby world on notice, and the second was at the hands of Australia following a stunning comeback from the visitors. Gatland’s return has had a big effect on belief in Wales though, and they will be hoping to snatch the headlines from the favourites on Saturday afternoon. They can be found at 9/4.
In the end, the Irish are likely to have too much in the tank on Saturday. The appointment of Gatland for Wales and a desire to stop the rot on home turf will not be enough to overcome an Ireland team that is out to prove its status as one of the favourites for the World Cup.
Wales vs Ireland Betting Tips
Here are my best bets for Wales vs Ireland this weekend.
Ireland - Handicap -8.5 at 11/10
Last year’s opening day encounter ended with a resounding 29-7 victory for Ireland at the Aviva. This was a powerful display from a side that barely faulted throughout the entire tournament. The Irish will want to hit the ground running this year and will look for a similarly dominant victory. An Irish handicap could be the way to go on Saturday. A -10.5 is tempting at 11/8, but we will play it safe with a -8.5 handicap at 6/5. Wales will put up a good fight Under Gatland, but their poor home form means Ireland are heavily favoured here.
George North - Anytime Try Scorer at 15/4
George North will start his 110th game for Wales in the centre and is one try away from becoming the country’s all-time top scorer in the Six Nations. A mural of North has been painted on a wall in Cardiff close to the Principality and he is one of the most-loved players on the Welsh team. Everyone loves a good narrative, and a North try, even if it comes in defeat, will still provide this opening match with a feel-good story. At 15/4, this could be the feel-good bet of the day.
Second Half is the Highest Scoring at 5/6
Opening games can always be tricky to call in terms of scoring. Both teams will want to make a statement but there will also be a period of feeling one another out. On top of this, Wales have shown recently that they love a second-half collapse in Cardiff. They were stunned by Australia in their most recent home outing and were struck by a late blow in their previous game against Georgia. As such, we fancy the game to burst into life in the second half at odds of 5/6.
How to watch Wales vs Ireland
- Location: Principality Stadium, Cardiff.
- Date and Time: February 4th, 14:15
- How to watch: BBC One
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