Wales begin life after Warren Gatland as Six Nations favourites Ireland come to Cardiff looking to continue their grand slam charge.
The first fallow week brought an end to Gatland’s second stint in charge of a nation to which he has given so much, with a 14-match losing run ultimately making his position untenable. While the search for a successor is underway, Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt has been appointed on an interim basis until the end of this campaign and will hope to spark new life in a down-trodden squad looking to lift the gloom.
Any immediate uptick in fortunes feels, perhaps, unlikely with a formidable foe arriving at the Principality Stadium. Ireland may be missing skipper Caelan Doris among a clutch of injury absentees but this is a side that has thrived in adversity before, with their enviable depth displayed in a selection showing a number of changes but limited drop-off in strength.
Follow all of the latest from Cardiff in our live blog below:
Wales 18-10 Ireland, 46 mins
The energy in the stadium is palpable now! This Welsh crowd are starting to believe.
Gibson-Park with a lovely box kick over the top pins Wales in their own 22, although they’re able to exit with a clearance kick over the 22.
Luke Baker22 February 2025 15:26
TRY! Wales 18-10 Ireland (Tom Rogers, 43 mins)
WOW! Wales go left and then spread the ball back right. Great hands as Murray loops on the wrapround and then feeds Tom Rogers, who has space on the right wing and acrobatically dots down!
It’s brilliant from Wales. We haven’t seen Wales play like that for a long time.
Anscombe misses the touchline conversion but they extend their leaD!
Luke Baker22 February 2025 15:24
Wales 13-10 Ireland, 42 mins
Prendergast collects a loose ball in his own half and shows some dancing feet before getting caught by Williams but Ireland win the penalty.
Quickly taken and they go on the attack
Luke Baker22 February 2025 15:22
KICK-OFF! Wales 6-10 Ireland
And back underway in Cardiff. Wales couldn’t… Could they?
Luke Baker22 February 2025 15:21
Garry Ringrose’s card upgraded to red
Wow! Garry Ringrose’s yellow card has been upgraded to red by the bunker system. That’s a huge boon for Wales.
It’s ‘only’ a 20-minute red card, due to the new Six Nations trial, so Ringrose will be able to be replaced at the end of that time but it’s still a longer period where the hosts will have a man advantage.
Luke Baker22 February 2025 15:17
WATCH: Wales lead Ireland 13-10 at the break
Well, well, well… Could we be on for one of the bigger shocks in Six Nations history here?
Wales have battled in that first 40 minutes and hold a half-time lead over Wales. Here’s the two tries:
Luke Baker22 February 2025 15:09
HALF TIME: Wales 13-10 Ireland
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 15:04
TRY! WALES 13-10 Ireland (Tommy Reffell, 43 minutes)
Wales lead at half time! A long series of phases on the Ireland line and eventually Tommy Reffell squirms past the post padding to the line.
Remarkable. 14 games without a win but leading the tournament favourites at the interval.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 15:04
Wales 6-10 Ireland, 42 minutes
Elliot Dee hits his jumper at the front. “Heave,” Cardiff cries as the backs pile into the maul.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 15:02
Wales 6-10 Ireland, 40 minutes
They will need that advantage. Blair Murray is corralled behind the gainline as Wales try to spread it.
Gareth Anscombe returns his side to the left corner. Ireland still down a man, of course.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 15:01
