Ireland survived a mighty scare against Wales to keep their hopes of a Six Nations grand slam alive with a 27-18 win.

Few gave Wales a hope with the tournament favourites coming to Cardiff looking to extend the hosts’ losing run to 15 games, yet the two sides delivered an unexpected thriller. Wales surged into a second-half lead after the sending off of Ireland centre Garry Ringrose as they threatened an upset in Matt Sherratt’s first game in interim charge.

But Ireland showed their champion qualities with Jamie Osborne crossing for a crucial score and Sam Prendergast extending their advantage from the tee. Wales were denied a late try that could have forced a late twist when debutant Ellis Mee was deemed to have not grounded cleanly in the corner. It was a much improved outing from the beleaguered home side after the mid-tournament exit of Warren Gatland, but their hunt for a first win since the 2023 World Cup goes on. Ireland, meanwhile, still have hope of an historic third successive competition crown.

Re-live all of the action from Cardiff in our live blog below:

Wales vs Ireland LIVE

• Ireland cling on to survive scare against Wales and keep grand slam hopes alive

• FT: Wales 18-27 Ireland

• 57' - TRY! Jamie Osborne levels scores after crossfield kick (WAL 18-18 IRE)

• 43' - TRY! A flying Tom Rogers extends the shock Welsh lead (WAL 18-10 IRE)

• HT: RED CARD! Garry Ringrose is sent off after a high tackle on Ben Thomas (WAL 13-10 IRE)

• 40' - TRY! Tommy Reffell squirms over to give hosts surprise half-time lead (WAL 13-10 IRE)

• 8' - TRY! Conan powers through Williams for opening try (WAL 0-7 IRE)

Max Llewellyn reflects on improved Welsh performance

17:02 , Luke Baker

Wales centre Max Llewellyn said: "We're so proud.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game but we had faith that we were going to win. I'm so proud for the boys, we only had three training sessions before the game, and a lot of learning was done.

"We were more organised than we have been. We were trying to make it easy for our forwards to stay zonal.

"It took a lot of pressure off the forwards who work so hard in the middle of the pitch. It's nice to see after only three sessions we look better.

"I was happy to be picked again and I'm very thankful to 'Jockey' [Matt Sherratt] to be back in the team."

Jamison Gibson-Park reacts to hard-fought win

16:36 , Luke Baker

Ireland scrum half and player of the match Jamison Gibson-Park said: "We have to give a lot of credit to Wales, it was very tough out there today.

"They're an unbelievable team, a proud nation and they sure showed that today.

"It'd be a dangerous thing to come over here with any pre-conceived ideas, playing here against Wales was always going to be tough and sure they proved that to us today.

"It's mentally tough more than anything. We're lucky to have a some pretty good coaches so we were well prepared for those things."

Ireland beat Wales to stay on track for Six Nations grand slam

16:27 , Luke Baker

A hard-fought but ultimately well-deserved win for Ireland in Cardiff. But the Welsh shoots of recovery are finally clear to see.

Credit to interim coach Matt Sherratt, who seemed to change the Welsh attitude within five days of working with the team

FULL-TIME! Wales 18-27 Ireland

16:13 , Luke Baker

Ireland win a penalty to end the final Welsh threat and Prendergast has one last kick at goal from range. It falls wide and short, Wales try to run it back but eventually that’s it - all over.

What a performance by Wales - their best for a long time but ultimately they’ve fallen just short against Ireland in Cardiff.

The Irish battled to victory and their grand slam hopes are still on track. Two more victories and they’ll become the first team in championship history to win three straight titles outright.

PENALTY! Wales 18-27 Ireland (Sam Prendergast, 78 mins)

16:09 , Luke Baker

Sam Prendergast uses all the time he can and then slots the penalty to move his record from the tee today to six from eight.

That will probably be that now.

Wales 18-24 Ireland, 77 mins

16:08 , Luke Baker

The Irish defensive line is holding firm, forcing Wales back into their own territory. They’re still trying to run it from deep but the white wall is rock solid.

And eventually, inevitably they win the penalty. Prendergast will surely kick this and put the game beyond a single score.

Wales 18-24 Ireland, 76 mins

16:07 , Luke Baker

This has been a brilliant Six Nations game. So physical and intense. Wales haven’t played this well in a long time.

Have we got one more twist in the dying stages?

Wales 18-24 Ireland, 75 mins

16:05 , Luke Baker

Ireland win a penalty at the subsequent scrum. That’s huge, given the pressure they were under.

They clear their lines and can build from near halfway. Good Welsh line speed forces them back into the 22 where Gibson-Park box kicks into touch on halfway. Good clearance. Welsh ball though

NO TRY! Wales 18-24 Ireland, 73 mins

16:04 , Luke Baker

Is Mee’s left hand in touch as he touches down with his right hand and does he have control. This is unbelievably tight. Brilliant attempt by Mee either way...

A long time taken in review, understandably. NO TRY! He just lost control while trying to touch down. Knock-on. The crowd don’t like it but the right call.

TRY? Wales 18-24 Ireland, 73 mins

16:01 , Luke Baker

That’s a mistake from Prendergast as his shanks a clearance kick, with Williams putting pressure on him. Great platform for Wales on the 22.

Lineout is clean and they run a couple of phases after a solid maul. They go left and Ellis Mee has an inch of room on the left touchline, dances past a man and stretches out while being tackled to dot down! HAS HE SCORED? An unbelievable finish if so!

On-field decision is a try but we’ll go to review... It’s so close

PENALTY! Wales 18-24 Ireland (Sam Prendergast, 70 mins)

15:57 , Luke Baker

Aki gets over the ball on halfway and roars with delight as he wins the penalty. Murray the man pinged.

And Iteland will go for the posts. Sam Prendergast will take aim from long range... Probably 50 metres or so.

Huge boot and it flies through the posts. Superb kick. He has room to spare as well

Wales 18-21 Ireland, 69 mins

15:55 , Luke Baker

TMO review here as Henry Thomas goes in on Porter and it looks like chest contact to the head. Thomas could be in trouble here...

A lengthy review and referee Christophe Ridley has deemed it to be no sanction! The ball carrier is bent over and the chest contact is deemed incidental, so Thomas isn’t punished. Big moments.

PENALTY! Wales 18-21 Ireland (Sam Prendergast, 68 mins)

15:52 , Luke Baker

Ireland aren’t messing about here. They’re going for the three points in this tight game.

Sam Prendergast makes no mistake and Ireland lead by three with 14 minutes left.

Wales 18-18 Ireland, 66 mins

15:51 , Luke Baker

Consistent phases getting over the gain-line from Ireland with an Aki offload and a Gibson-Park dart.

And they’re within a couple of metres of the line! Penalty advantage, Beirne offloads to Hansen and he’s over the line but held up. Great tackle by Blair Murray! Still a great position for Ireland but that was a try-saver.

Wales 18-18 Ireland, 65 mins

15:49 , Luke Baker

Joe Roberts on for Rogers in the Wales backline.

The massive left boot of Lowe then earns Ireland the territory advantage as he sends Mee scampering back and the clearing kick only reaches the 22.

Wales 18-18 Ireland, 64 mins

15:47 , Luke Baker

Lovely hands and running rugby from Wales as Thomas darts through a gap, then pops to Wainwright and they’re up to the 22.

But eventually Llewellyn knocks on after a Thomas pass and a Mee offload. Groans around the Principality Stadium. But it’s much more promising from Wales.

Wales 18-18 Ireland, 62 mins

15:44 , Luke Baker

The Irish scrum is solid and they run from within their own half. Nice inside ball to McCarthy makes a few metres and they then go wide to Lowe who takes them into Welsh territory.

But Baird is pinged at the breakdown for a neck roll and Wales can now build with a lineout in the Ireland half.

Wales 18-18 Ireland, 60 mins

15:41 , Luke Baker

A little over 20 minutes left and this match is in the balance. Can Wales come again and find more points?

Prendergast is launching kicks high into the air to test Welsh hands and, so far, they’re holding up.

Decent ball in the Irish half but Evans knocks on Williams’ low pass to end the threat

TRY! Wales 18-18 Ireland (Jamie Osborne, 57 mins)

15:38 , Luke Baker

And it’s try time for Ireland! Brilliant from Gibson-Park as, from five metres out with penalty advantage he dinks a pinpoint contestable kick for Lowe, who leaps over Blair Murray, bats it back inside and Jamie Osborne is there to catch and dive over.

Brilliant play! Tough conversion for Prendergast and he misses but we’re back level at 18-18.

Wales 18-13 Ireland, 55 mins

15:36 , Luke Baker

Superb kick from Prendergast. Dare we say he’s looking Sexton-esque in the Ireland 10 shirt...

He pings a spiral over the head of the retreating Irish defence and it bounces to touch for the 50-22. Ireland secure the lineout and are camped in the 22 now.

Wales 18-13 Ireland, 54 mins

15:35 , Luke Baker

The 20-minute red card is over and Bundee Aki runs on to make it 15 vs 15 once more. Can they turn the screw?

Wales mess up a lineout in their own 22 and McCarthy celebrates as he slaps the ball out of the hands of jumper Faletau. That looked like Faletau hadn’t landed yet and the decision is indeed overturned - Wales penalty and they clear.

But Anscombe is off for a HIA as Jarrod Evans comes on.

Wales 18-13 Ireland, 52 mins

15:31 , Luke Baker

Good physicality again from Wales - they are winning the collisions. Nice hands as well as Llewellyn has space down the right flank. Whatever happens, this is such an improved performance by the men in red.

Ireland win a breakdown penalty as Wales are pinged for not releasing. They’ll have a platform in Welsh territory

PENALTY! Wales 18-13 Ireland (Sam Prendergast, 49 mins)

15:29 , Luke Baker

Simple penalty bang in front of the posts and Sam Prendergast slots it. He could have taken a bit longer though to wind the red card clock down.

Back within a score and only another two minutes or so of the 20-minute red card remaining.

Wales 18-10 Ireland, 48 mins

15:28 , Luke Baker

Ireland make a mess of the lineout but Rogers is forced to take the ball into the touch, so they come again.

This is cleaner and now they have a platform in the 22. They go left and Osborne darts through to take them within seven metres. Prendergast dallies on the gain-line and is hit but Ireland have the penalty in front of the sticks for offside.

Wales 18-10 Ireland, 46 mins

15:26 , Luke Baker

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.

TRY! Wales 18-10 Ireland (Tom Rogers, 43 mins)

15:24 , Luke Baker

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!

Wales 13-10 Ireland, 42 mins

15:22 , Luke Baker

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

KICK-OFF! Wales 6-10 Ireland

15:21 , Luke Baker

And back underway in Cardiff. Wales couldn’t... Could they?

Garry Ringrose's card upgraded to red

15:17 , Luke Baker

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.

WATCH: Wales lead Ireland 13-10 at the break

15:09 , Luke Baker

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:

HALF TIME: Wales 13-10 Ireland

15:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TRY! WALES 13-10 Ireland (Tommy Reffell, 43 minutes)

15:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

Wales 6-10 Ireland, 42 minutes

15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Elliot Dee hits his jumper at the front. “Heave,” Cardiff cries as the backs pile into the maul.

Wales 6-10 Ireland, 40 minutes

15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

Wales 6-10 Ireland, 40 minutes

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Can the hosts go in front on the interval? An initial maul doesn’t make progress but there is space as it pivots, Elliot Dee controlling well. Advantage coming...

Wales 6-10 Ireland, 39 minutes

14:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The handling hasn’t always been precise in this first half, Wales knocking on just as space appears. A scrum will suit them, though - their set-piece is having an afternoon to remember, Andrew Porter once more penalised under pressure from WillGriff John.

To the corner Wales punt.

Missed penalty! Wales 6-10 Ireland, 37 minutes

14:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Off the post! A lovely sounds as boot hits ball and the distance isn’t a problem, but Prendergast can’t quite bend it back far enough inside the right-hand post.

Wales 6-10 Ireland, 36 minutes

14:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But that’s not great from the hosts. A soft penalty grants Sam Prendergast an immediate chance to reply.

PENALTY! WALES 6-10 Ireland (Gareth Anscombe, 35 minutes)

14:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A second strike from the boot of Gareth Anscombe moves Wales closer.

YELLOW CARD! Garry Ringrose is sent to the sin bin (Wales 3-10 Ireland, 34 minutes)

14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Yellow card! Garry Ringrose comes flying in from distance and clatters Ben Thomas, with head-on-head contact. Both men are low to the ground, which may prevent it being upgraded to red - but the centre is off for ten minutes at least while the Foul Play Review Officer studies the footage...

Wales 3-10 Ireland, 34 minutes

14:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More bright stuff from Wales, really stressing Ireland with some nimble handling. A penalty arrives soon enough - but the officials want to look at something...

Wales 3-10 Ireland, 32 minutes

14:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jac Morgan crunches into Sam Prendergast, who does well to pull the flanker down.

Wales clear up to the ten metre, and WillGriff John continues a storming half by winning a breakdown penalty.

Wales 3-10 Ireland, 31 minutes

14:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nicky Smith is back amongst things having passed his head injury assessment.

Wales 3-10 Ireland, 30 minutes

14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now Ireland butcher a guilt-edged chance! Garry Ringrose has green, green grass in front of him but a dreadful pass from Jamie Osborne prevents him from romping home!

Wales 3-10 Ireland, 29 minutes

14:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sharp from James Lowe, booting long and chasing hard to keep Blair Murray pinned in. The Wales full-back can only clear about 30 metres from his own line.

Wales 3-10 Ireland, 28 minutes

14:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This feels much better in an attacking sense from Wales, more structure and purpose in phase play. Mack Hansen makes a strong spot tackle on Jac Morgan way behind the gainline to stall their momentum.

Wales 3-10 Ireland, 26 minutes

14:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Shelled with the line in sight! Tomos Williams, what have you done? It’s beautiful work in the build-up, Max Llewellyn helping create a break up the right that seems certain to end in a score. But Williams drops an infield pass a matter of metres away from the whitewash. How costly could that be?

Wales 3-10 Ireland, 24 minutes

14:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Welsh confidence swells after that penalty, lovely handling setting Ellis Mee on the run down the right. His infield kick evades the Irish backfield but Dan Sheehan scrambles back impressively to gather. Good covering from the hooker.

PENALTY! WALES 3-10 Ireland (Gareth Anscombe, 23 minutes)

14:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Anscombe gets Wales on the board in his Six Nations return.

Wales 0-10 Ireland, 22 minutes

14:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ah! A real chance for Wales but the passes just don’t quite go to hand, an overlap on the right spurned and one on the left not accessed due to an errant pass. There is an advantage to come back for, though.

PENALTY! Wales 0-10 IRELAND (Sam Prendergast, 21 minutes)

14:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sam Prendergast slots the resultant three points.

Wales 0-7 Ireland, 20 minutes

14:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bad news for Nicky Smith - his smart mouthguard has pinged and he’s off for a head injury assessment. The prop doesn’t seem best pleased, and that will not improve his mood: replacement Gareth Thomas is immediately penalised at the scrum.

Wales 0-7 Ireland, 18 minutes

14:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales are doing well in the air, too, Blair Murray chasing hard and beating Ireland to it. A breakdown spill allows Robbie Henshaw to latch on to a loose ball, though, and Jamison Gibson-Park traps debutant Ellis Mee in goal with his box kick. Wales will drop out from their goalline.

Wales 0-7 Ireland, 16 minutes

14:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A third scrum penalty! WillGriff John and Nicky Smith are having a stormer here, Ireland in reverse and forced to infringe again. Wales clear their lines.

Wales 0-7 Ireland, 14 minutes

14:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nearly! More lovely work from Sam Prendergast puts James Lowe into space with a delayed pass, but the wing fumbles within five metres of the line!

Wales 0-7 Ireland, 14 minutes

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Some nice variety from Ireland in attack, a crosskick from Sam Prendergast finding Mack Hansen in space before a good grubber from the fly half keeps the pressure on. Wales hanging on, a bit - but well so far.

Wales 0-7 Ireland, 10 minutes

14:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dan Sheehan’s lineout is tossed over the top in the direction of Robbie Henshaw, but Wales have it well marked. Knocked on.

And another Welsh scrum penalty! Ireland struggling early on with Christophe Ridley’s interpretation.

Wales 0-7 Ireland, 10 minutes

14:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Excellent from Tom Rogers, the wing up in the air early and claiming strongly above a couple of would-be Irish catchers. Wales work through the phases, but can’t make inroads, and the TMO eventually calls down for a dangerous clearout from Dafydd Jenkins. Ireland penalty.

Wales 0-7 Ireland, 9 minutes

14:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ominous. Wales are behind already and need to find a route into the game. A good clearance from Jamison Gibson-Park denies them an ideal opportunity after teh restart.

TRY! Wales 0-7 IRELAND (Jack Conan, 8 minutes)

14:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Jack Conan punches through! A little slip pass from Jamison Gibson-Park is deftly delivered as he falls to the floor, and the big number eight has too much might for Tomos Williams to handle.

Sam Prendergast pops over the extras. It’s another fine start from Ireland.

Wales 0-0 Ireland, 5 minutes

14:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Strong tackling from Wales, catching Tadhg Beirne and Dan Sheehan on the gainline. Thomas Clarkson makes a few metres, Joe McCarthy likewise as pressure builds...

Wales 0-0 Ireland, 5 minutes

14:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Around the corner Ireland punch, driving to within five metres. James Lowe goes closer still...

Penalty! Welsh hands on it, but illegally so. Sam Prendergast prods to the corner and Ireland will go again.

Wales 0-0 Ireland, 5 minutes

14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Soem good initial attacking shape from Wales, but they run out of steam on the left. And that’s some work from Ireland, Jack Conan pinching the ball and Garry Ringrose threading a superb grubber up the touchline. Out it bounces for a 50/22, and the first real attacking opportunity.

Wales 0-0 Ireland, 3 minutes

14:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Down the first set goes, Christophe Ridley gathering both front rows for a chat.

Penalty Wales! Ireland play away from the back but WillGriff John has forced Andrew Porter to turn in and down.

Wales 0-0 Ireland, 1 minute

14:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A good first carry from Taulupe Faletau, beating the first chaser. Tomos Williams’s clearing box kick hits the turf, but Ireland gather.

A high hoist from Sam Prendergast is fumbled by Blair Murray. Ireland scrum feed inside the Welsh half.

KICK OFF!

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Up and running in Cardiff.

Wales vs Ireland

14:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Matt Sherratt sings the Welsh national anthem proudly, an Englishman now very much embedded within the neighbouring rugby land. This may only be an interim stint but what a proud day this will be.

Wales vs Ireland

14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Out the players come. There were suggestions of some clubs struggling to shift their tickets for this fixture, but the Principality looks pretty full on first view.

Wales vs Ireland

14:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Plenty of smiling faces in the Cardiff crowd, hoping that brighter times may be ahead. Can Matt Sherratt get Wales playing a better tune?

Match officials

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Referee: Christophe Ridley (Eng)

Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)

Television Match Official: Ian Tempest (Eng)

Foul Play Review Officer: Matteo Liperini (Ita)

Wales ready to see their next head coach in Cardiff – and it’s not Matt Sherratt

13:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This game marks the start of the brief Matt Sherratt era, but might Wales be catching a glimpse of their next permanent head coach today? Luke Baker lays out why Simon Easterby, who has very close ties to the country, could be the perfect candidate:

Wales ready to see their next head coach in Cardiff – and it’s not Matt Sherratt

Dan Sheehan insists Ireland need to stick to basics against Wales

13:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dan Sheehan says Ireland will “knuckle down to basics” when they continue their Six Nations title quest against Wales.

Ireland are red-hot favourites to pile further misery on a Wales team without a Test match win since the 2023 World Cup.

Dan Sheehan insists Ireland need to stick to basics against Wales

Who is Matt Sherratt? Why Wales have turned to the Cardiff coach to replace Warren Gatland for the Six Nations

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An attacking specialist who has been well liked by past and current players, it’s easy to see why Wales settled on Matt Sherratt as the right man to steer them through to the end of this campaign:

Who is Matt Sherratt? Why Wales have turned to the Cardiff coach for interim role

Team news - Ireland

13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dan Sheehan captains Ireland in the absence of Caelan Doris, with the hooker’s elevation off the bench one of seven changes to Simon Easterby’s starting side. Tighthead prop Thomas Clarkson makes his first Test start in the front row while Joe McCarthy is fit to take his place alongside Tadhg Beirne at lock and Jack Conan begins at No 8.

Behind the scrum, Mack Hansen also returns from injury on the wing while Garry Ringrose partners Robbie Henshaw in the centres, with Jamie Osborne providing an extra playmaking option at full-back. Jack Boyle is primed for a debut on the loosehead from the bench. There is a late change among the replacements, too - Cian Prendergast is ruled OUT, with Ryan Baird stepping in.

Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan (capt.), 3 Thomas Clarkson; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Peter O’Mahony, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Jack Conan; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 James Lowe, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Mack Hansen; 15 Jamie Osborne.

Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Jack Boyle, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Bundee Aki.

Team news - Wales

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Matt Sherratt rings the changes in his first Wales selection, recalling two of those excluded entirely by Warren Gatland at the start of this campaign. Gloucester duo Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn start at 10 and outside centre respectively having been left out of Gatland’s initial squad, the pair joining Ben Thomas in midfield with the Cardiff playmaker moved to his preferred position of 12.

A swap of props sees Nicky Smith and WillGriff John star, with Ellis Mee making a debut on the wing. Jac Morgan is joined by another scavenger in Tommy Reffell in the back row.

Wales XV: 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 WillGriff John; 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Dafydd Jenkins; 6 Jac Morgan (capt.), 7 Tommy Reffell, 8 Taulupe Faletau; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Gareth Anscombe; 11 Ellis Mee, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Tom Rogers; 15 Blair Murray.

Replacements: 16 Evan Lloyd, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Aaron Wainwright; 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Joe Roberts.

Why are Ireland not wearing green shirts against Wales in the Six Nations?

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland will be clad in white rather than green today as the sport attempts to make itself easier to view for colour blind viewers who struggle to differentiate between red and green:

Why are Ireland not wearing green shirts against Wales in the Six Nations?

Wales vs Ireland talking points: Visitors in a different league

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

One glance at World Rugby’s latest rankings list confirms the gulf that currently exists between Ireland and Wales.

Second-placed Ireland are 17.61 ranking points clear of Wales, which is a bigger gap than their hosts on Saturday have between themselves and the likes of Brazil, Zimbabwe and the Netherlands.

While Wales have lost 14 successive Tests, Ireland’s defeats across the same number stand at four, with three of those being against New Zealand (twice) and world champions South Africa.

Ireland have also beaten Wales seven times from the last eight meetings, and even with home advantage, Wales are a 25-1 chance with some bookmakers to shred the form-book.

Wales vs Ireland talking points: Can hosts halt horror run?

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales can only wish that the phrase ‘lies, damned lies and statistics’ was accurate in their case. Unfortunately, facts and figures scream at them from every page.

Sherratt has inherited a squad at the lowest of ebbs, reeling from a record run of Test defeats that began with a 2023 World Cup quarter-final loss against Argentina in Marseille 16 months ago.

That shattering sequence has seen Wales drop to a new world ranking low of 12th, while an Ireland victory would see them suffer a ninth Six Nations reversal on the bounce. Wales have also lost seven successive Tests in Cardiff.

Wales vs Ireland talking points: Matt Sherratt takes (interim charge)

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Still dressed in his Cardiff tracksuit and arriving straight off the training pitch, there was a surreal air to Matt Sherratt’s introductory press conference as Wales’ interim head coach.

He went from a United Rugby Championship game against Connacht to Welsh rugby’s biggest job, albeit for three Tests only as the search begins for Gatland’s long-term successor.

Sherratt is an affable, engaging and popular figure who wants his teams to entertain, and while he can only do so much in the next few weeks, there is nothing realistically for him to lose.

Wales surely cannot be any worse than they were at Stadio Olimpico, and it could be a fascinating ride with the man nicknamed Jockey.

The seven minutes that showed why ‘master of control’ Sam Prendergast is Ireland’s fly-half answer

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another start for Sam Prendergast today gives the young Ireland fly half an opportunity to build on a really composed showing in Scotland, which began with an excellent opening seven minutes:

The seven minutes that showed why Sam Prendergast is Ireland’s fly-half answer

Warren Gatland explains why Wales exit was ‘the right decision for everybody’

11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland has admitted that he is “hurting” after his second stint in charge of Walesw was brought to an end, but stressed that his exit was the “best decision for everybody”.

Gatland’s tenure as head coach ended by mutual consent last week just two rounds into the Six Nations after the veteran presided over a run of 14 consecutive defeats.

Warren Gatland explains why Wales exit was ‘the right decision for everybody’

Warren Gatland blames Margaret Thatcher and teachers’ strikes for Welsh rugby’s decline

11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland has apportioned some of the blame for the decline of Welsh rugby on Margaret Thatcher after claiming that the teacher strikes in the 1980s helped “kill off” the sport in schools.

Gatland’s second stint in charge of Wales came to an end by mutual consent last week after presiding over a record losing run of 14 consecutive matches.

The New Zealander’s first spell was rather more successful, with the coach taking Wales to three Six Nations grand slams and two World Cup semi-finals between 2008 and 2019.

But even that success pales in comparison to the dominance the nation enjoyed in the 1970s when a side including greats like Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett and JPR Williams romped regularly to Five Nations titles.

Warren Gatland blames Margaret Thatcher for Welsh rugby’s decline

Aaron Wainwright says Wales at ‘low point’ but urges team to prove people wrong

11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Aaron Wainwright accepts that Wales’ long run of Test match defeats has generated “a pretty low point” in the nation’s proud rugby history.

But the back-row forward is also on a mission to prove people wrong, starting with today’s Six Nations clash against title favourites Ireland in Cardiff.

Aaron Wainwright says Wales at ‘low point’ but urges team to prove people wrong

Simon Easterby focused on Ireland amid Wales speculation

11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Simon Easterby insists he is committed to Ireland in response to reports he is a contender to take over from departed Wales boss Warren Gatland.

Gatland stepped down last week after a 22-15 defeat by Italy condemned Wales to a 14th successive loss, with Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt placed in charge on an interim basis.

Easterby is overseeing Ireland while Andy Farrell prepares for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour and has so far impressed by masterminding emphatic victories over England and Scotland.

Wales in Cardiff is the next assignment and Easterby, who lives in Swansea and played for and coached the Scarlets, heads to the Principality Stadium amid speculation that he is an option to succeed Gatland.

However, the 49-year-old says he has yet to be approached by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Simon Easterby focused on Ireland amid Wales speculation

Warren Gatland was a symptom and not the cause of Wales’s perma-crisis – but his axing is still the right call

10:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland’s mid-tournament departure felt a shock only in terms of timing, with the head coach’s position made untenable by a wretched run. The problems within Welsh rugby are far greater than that which the head coach had responsibility for, but that doesn’t mean his exit was a wrong call:

Warren Gatland was not the cause of Wales’s failings – but he still had to go

Warren Gatland’s daughter hits out at former Wales players over criticism

10:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland’s daughter has hit out at his former players after several notable names directed criticism at the former Wales coach.

Gatland left his role by mutual consent last week after a difficult second spell in charge which ended with 14 consecutive defeats.

Warren Gatland’s daughter hits out at former Wales players over criticism

Matt Sherratt urges Wales not to ‘die wondering’ against Ireland

10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Matt Sherratt wants his Wales team to be brave and not “die wondering” against Guinness Six Nations title favourites Ireland.

Wales begin life after Warren Gatland with Cardiff boss Sherratt taking the reins for three games only – Ireland, Scotland at Murrayfield and then England in Cardiff.

A run of 14 successive Test defeats has contributed heavily to Wales being written off as 25-1 no-hopers by some bookmakers when Triple Crown-chasing Ireland arrive at the Principality Stadium.

Matt Sherratt urges Wales not to ‘die wondering’ against Ireland

New Wales boss Matt Sherratt reveals bold team to face Ireland in selection shake-up

09:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The recalled Gareth Anscombe and Max Llewellyn are installed straight into the Wales starting side to face Ireland in a selection shake-up from interim boss Matt Sherratt.

Cardiff coach Sherratt will oversee the team until the end of the Six Nations having been appointed after Warren Gatland’s departure by mutual consent after the defeat to Italy extended a long losing run.

New Wales boss Matt Sherratt reveals bold team to face Ireland in selection shake-up

Ireland make sweeping changes for Wales clash as Dan Sheehan named captain

09:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hooker Dan Sheehan will captain a much-changed Ireland side as the Six Nations favourites bid to continue their grand slam charge against Wales.

Sheehan’s elevation from the bench is one of seven alterations made by Simon Easterby for the round three encounter, with the front-rower skippering in the stead of injured No 8 Caelan Doris.

Ireland make sweeping changes for Wales clash as Dan Sheehan named captain

Wales ready to see their next head coach in Cardiff – and it’s not Matt Sherratt

09:00 , Luke Baker

Come Saturday afternoon, Wales fans will be focused on whether new interim coach Matt Sherratt can provide them with the spark that has been so sorely lacking during Warren Gatland’s second tenure and potentially salvage something from the wreckage of another Six Nations.

Whatever moment they thought represented rock bottom – the first-ever home defeat to Fiji in November perhaps or the 52-20 humiliation against an unproven Australia side seven days later – there is definitely a new feel to things heading into this weekend.

Not exactly optimism, given that the visitors are a well-drilled Ireland side who are on track to become the first team in Five or Six Nations history to win three back-to-back outright titles, but at least hope that something, anything, may be different in Cardiff. And, at this point, different can hardly be worse. Can it?

Wales ready to see their next head coach in Cardiff – and it’s not Matt Sherratt

Wales vs Ireland LIVE

Friday 21 February 2025 16:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the opening clash of the Six Nations weekend between Wales and Ireland. It’s the start of a new era for the hosts after the departure of Warren Gatland - can Matt Sherratt spark them into life against the tournament favourites?