Wales vs Ireland Six Nations predictions, odds and betting tips

All eyes will be on the Principality’s Stadium in Cardiff this weekend as Wales host Ireland in the 2023 Six Nations opener.

Ireland will be looking to win this year’s tournament and cement their world number one status, and they will come up against a Wales side hoping to turn things around under the return of Warren Gatland. Let’s see how the bookmakers think this will play out.

Wales vs Ireland Odds

Here are the latest odds for the Wales v Ireland match at bet365.

• Wales: 9/4
• Tie: 22/1
• Ireland: 2/5

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Wales vs Ireland Prediction

World No. 1 Ireland will come to this year’s Six Nations hoping to go one better than last year’s runners-up. All the ingredients are in place for a successful tournament, but an opener in Cardiff will be an early test of their league titles.

Ireland are favorites to win the match, and they can be found 2/5 with Bet365. The Irish have not always had the easiest drive in Wales, failing to win in their last four Six Nations meetings in the Principality. However, this Ireland is a completely different beast, and they will be hoping to replicate their comfortable Matchday 1 of 2022 win over the Welsh this time around.

The Welsh are hoping to bounce back from a dreadful spell of form, with the return of Warren Gatland as manager revitalizing confidence in the team. Their last two home outings have both ended in defeat. The first was a dramatic late loss 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, however, and they will be hoping to snatch the headlines from the favorites on Saturday afternoon. They can be found at 9/4.

In the end, the Irish risk having too much in the tank on Saturday. Gatland’s appointment for Wales and a desire to stem the rot at home won’t be enough to defeat an Ireland side keen to prove their status as World Cup favourites.

Wales vs Ireland Betting Tips

Here are my best bets for Wales v Ireland this weekend.

Ireland – Handicap -8.5 to 11/10

Last year’s opener ended in a resounding 29-7 win for Ireland at the Aviva. It was a powerful display from a team that barely fouls throughout the tournament. The Irish will want to hit the ground running this year and will be looking for an equally dominant victory. An Irish handicap could be the way to go on Saturday. A -10.5 is tempting at 11/8, but we’ll play it safe with a -8.5 handicap at 6/5. Wales will fight well under Gatland but poor home form means Ireland are heavily favored here.

George North – Anytime try scorer at 15/4

George North will start his 110th game for Wales at center 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 near the Principality and he is one of the Welsh squad’s most beloved players. Everyone loves a good story, and a North try, even if it ends in defeat, will still provide that opener with a feel-good story. At 15/4, this could be the wellness bet of the day.

The second half is the highest score at 5/6

Opening plays can always be tough to call in terms of scoring. Both teams will want to make a statement, but there will also be a period to feel each other out. On top of that, Wales have recently shown they love a second-half slump in Cardiff. They were stunned by Australia in their last home game and were hit with a late kick in their previous game against Georgia. As such, we want the game to come to life in the second half at odds of 5/6.

How to watch Wales v Ireland

• Location: Principality Stadium, Cardiff.
• Date and time: February 4, 2:15 p.m.
• How to watch: BBC One

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