Ireland also lose out in the head-to-heads.
There is growing confidence in Wales that their team can drop another hurt bomb on Ireland.
Wales have won three of their previous five meetings with Ireland – drawing another and losing a 2015 World Cup warm-up, and you have to go back to 2014 to find a competitive win for the men in green.
Added to that is the fact that injuries to Robbie Henshaw, Iain Henderson and Tadhg Furlong have added to the tally of Ireland internationals sidelined. That number now stands at 14, with the likes of the fully fit Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo not being considered either.
Popular outlet Wales Online has run the rule over Ireland’s starting XV to face Warren Gatland’s men and highlighted two players as potential weaknesses. Here is what Rob Lloyd had to say about Ireland’s No.11 and 12:
On Jacob Stockdale:
‘Will pose threats to Wales in the air and with his powerful running.
‘Was exposed by Teddy Thomas’ solo try in Paris and there have been questions raised in Ireland over potential defensive flaws.’
On Bundee Aki:
‘The Connacht talisman has looked more than comfortable at Test level and was a constant threat against the Azzurri last time out.
‘There have been question marks surrounding his defence, but the former Super Rugby star can be guaranteed to hit hard, just ask young French fly-half Mathieu Jalibert.’
Interestingly, Andrew Porter and James Ryan both get talked up as good one players, although it is noted that Rob Evans will be seeking to go after the Ireland tight-head, who will be making his first Six Nations start.
A separate, head-to-head piece by Lloyd gives Wales the narrowest of advantages going into Saturday’s game.
While the half back pairing of Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton are lavishly praised, Lloyd believes Wales are superior in midfield, front and second row.
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