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 0-0 Ireland, 3 minutes
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.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 14:18
Wales 0-0 Ireland, 1 minute
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.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 14:16
KICK OFF!
Up and running in Cardiff.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 14:15
Wales vs Ireland
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.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 14:12
Wales vs Ireland
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.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 14:10
Wales vs Ireland
Plenty of smiling faces in the Cardiff crowd, hoping that brighter times may be ahead. Can Matt Sherratt get Wales playing a better tune?
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 14:07
Match officials
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)
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 14:00
Wales ready to see their next head coach in Cardiff – and it’s not Matt Sherratt
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:
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 13:50
Dan Sheehan insists Ireland need to stick to basics against Wales
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.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 13:40
Who is Matt Sherratt? Why Wales have turned to the Cardiff coach to replace Warren Gatland for the Six Nations
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:
Harry Latham-Coyle22 February 2025 13:30
