While the departure of Warren Gatland is certainly the right call in the long term for Wales, Saturday’s clash with Ireland has come too soon for them to realistically show any improvement against their Celtic opponents.
Saturday 22 February
Wales | Draw | Ireland
Gatland’s role is being filled by Cardiff’s Matt Sherratt on an interim basis for the remainder of the championship, with the Dragons now presiding over a run of 14 consecutive defeats. The side’s 15-22 loss in Rome in the second round effectively ended their hopes of avoiding a second straight wooden spoon in the competition, though there is still a lot of rugby to be played, and stranger things have happened.
Taking on Ireland will be a colossal challenge for the hosts, with the back-to-back reigning champions on course for a historic threepeat after picking wins over England and Scotland. Even without the services of the injured Caelan Doris and Ronan Kelleher this weekend, Simon Easterby’s men have far too much in their arsenal to be stopped in Cardiff.
Despite having claimed two bonus point wins so far, though, many in the game feel the visitors haven’t yet hit the heights we are used to seeing from them. With their potentially make-or-break clash with France still ahead in round four, Ireland will look to find more rhythm at the Principality Stadium in preparation.
Key to that will be the performance of Sam Prendergast, who looks more assured at No 10 with every game that passes. Despite his mere 22 years of age, his displays in the campaign to date have led to some pundits tipping him to start at flyhalf for the British & Irish Lions in Australia later this year. While he may still have some way to go to prove he’s ready for that level of responsibility, Saturday’s game will be another ideal opportunity to cement his role as the side’s permanent answer at the pivot.
Verdict: Ireland by 15 or more
Ireland to ease to victory over their struggling opponents.
