Ireland attempt to clinch the second part of their Triple Crown in Dublin on Friday night, while Wales seek to avoid a third consecutive Six Nations wooden spoon.
With the team already rejuvenated due to a week’s break in the new fixtures schedule, the fourth round begins at the Aviva Stadium with the hosts looking to build on a stunning success against England.
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Andy Farrell’s side lifted the Treble trophy in Cardiff last year and will be hoping to do the same in Dublin next weekend when they host Scotland.
Wales performed well against Scotland but still suffered a 14th straight defeat in the Six Nations.
Steve Tandy’s side are huge underdogs and few expected their run to end ahead of their final game against Italy in Cardiff at the weekend.
When does Ireland vs Wales kick off?
The match kicks off at 20:10 GMT and BBC Sounds will provide live audio commentary via BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and Radio Ulster.
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The commentary will also be available on the BBC Sport website and you can follow the detailed action via our live text commentary.
The match is broadcast by ITV1 and S4C.
For all the preparation and analysis, follow the Rugby League section of the BBC Sport website.
How will the teams line up?
Wales announced their squad on Wednesday morning, with flanker Taine Plumtree and half-forward Sam Costelow both missing through injury.
Steve Tandy recalled Dan Edwards from the starting lineup, while Ellis Mee returned on the wing as Gabriel Hammer-Webb. James Botham impressed from the bench against Scotland and gave the nod at the back in Plumtree’s absence.
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Ireland will name their squad on Wednesday afternoon and are unlikely to make major changes to the Twickenham XV, even though they have received some good selection news.
Center Bundee Aki has been suspended for “verbal abuse and disrespect” during Connacht’s URC defeat to Leinster.
He joins center Robbie Henshaw and outside back Jimmy O’Brien, who returned from injury for Leinster in Cardiff last Friday.
However, fly-back Harry Byrne will miss the fourth round after suffering a head injury after being released during game time in the opening stages of the game at Arms Park.
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Why don’t Wales wear red?
Mike Phillips scores for Wales against Ireland in the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals [Getty Images]
Ireland and Wales face off every year, but there hasn’t been a green versus red tie since 2024.
The change is not for marketing reasons but part of a World Rugby directive due to color blindness.
Their guidance, which becomes championship policy from January 1, 2025, is that distinguishing between red and green is problematic for those affected by color vision deficiency.
Ireland wore white jerseys in Cardiff last season and this time it is Wales’ turn to do so in Dublin.
Tandy’s men will wear the same white jerseys, black shorts and white socks they wore during their win over Japan at the Principality Stadium in the Autumn.
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Who is the referee?
British referee Carl Dickson will be in charge of Friday’s match.
The former Harlequins half-back will be joined by assistant referees Nika Amashukli (Georgia) and Damian Schneider (Argentina).
England’s Andrew Jackson is the TMO, while France’s Tual Trainini is in charge of the Foul Review Procedure (FPRO).
What’s the status of Ireland and Wales?
After losses to New Zealand and South Africa in the autumn, Ireland were comprehensively beaten by France in the first round, causing some complaints.
A stunning success against England in London followed an impressive home win over Italy.
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Ireland recorded a record away win over England with tries from Jamieson Gibson-Parker, Robert Balukuon, Tommy O’Brien, Dan Sheehan and Jamie Osborne, winning all departments.
Wales’ troubles are well-documented, currently suffering 24 defeats in 26 international games, with two of those wins coming against Japan, and on a 14-match losing streak in the Six Nations.
Against Scotland, it was encouraging that the away side didn’t score until the 74th minute.
Ireland and Wales past meetings
Ireland are seeking a fifth consecutive win against Wales, dating back to 2021 when the game was played behind closed doors at the Principality Stadium.
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The success ended Ireland’s four-game winning streak in the 2019 Six Nations.
Wales have not won in Dublin since the 2015 World Cup warm-up, while their last Six Nations victory came in 2012 thanks to Leigh Halfpenny’s late penalty.
Wales were beaten 27-18 in Cardiff last year and their performance was encouraging when interim coach Matt Sherratt took charge following Warren Gatland’s exit.
In the last game in Dublin, Ireland won comprehensively 31-7, with goals from Dan Sheehan, James Lowe, Tadhg Beirne and Ciaran Frawley.
Wales’ defense has been a concern – England, France and Scotland have all won bonus points – and they will hope to avoid a repeat of the 2002 trip to Dublin.
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That game at Lansdowne Road remains Ireland’s record points tally (54 points) and largest margin of victory (44 points).
