Ireland vs Wales: All the big talking points, moments and player ratings

A massive weekend of Six Nations action

The 2023 Guinness Six Nations championship gets underway this weekend with three massive games taking place. We have you covered for all the big moments, plays, quotes and Ireland player ratings.

Round 1 sees Wales host Ireland in the opening game of the tournament on Saturday, before England host Scotland.

Ireland look to continue their winning 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦 as they open up their Guinness Six Nations campaign in Cardiff against wales.

Live on Virgin Media One from 1pm Saturday.#GuinnessSixNations | #VMTVRugby pic.twitter.com/zpnIRLPluf

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 1, 2023

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On Sunday, holders France open up the defence of their title with a tricky visit to Rome to take on Italy, who surprised us all last year with a big win over Wales.

And we'll be following all the action over the weekend on our live blog below – so you don't miss a thing! Once that full-time whistle sounds, we'll also have your full Ireland player ratings.

LIVE FEED HERE:

HOUSE OF RUGBY CREW ON WALES VS IRELAND

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On House of Rugby, former Munster and Ireland Sevens player Greg O'Shea laid out a case for why Andy Farrell and his men should be confident going into their opening match

“I've heard people tipping Wales to win it,” he said. “I was actually offended. I was like, 'What?'”

As fellow pundits Jason Hennessy and Lindsay Peat backed up their worried words, a smiling O'Shea assured them, “Lads, Ireland are so good though!”

“It's Warren Gatland,” argued Hennessy.

“With Warren Gatland coming back in for his first game, in the Principality Stadium, do not expect a win. There's every chance they can win it. As Ireland are - and I'm hopeful of a Six Nations win or a grand slam - that could be a slippery first game.”

*Wales vs. Ireland takes place on Saturday, February 4th with Virgin Media providing free-to-air coverage, and kick-off at 2:15pm.

WATCH HOUSE OF RUGBY:

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