Wales host Ireland bidding to avoid worst Six Nations losing streak since 2007
Defeat under the Principality Stadium floodlights would see Wales suffer three successive Six Nations reverses in one campaign for the first time since 2007.
Wales coach Rob Howley has retained the entire starting line-up and replacements’ bench that were beaten in Edinburgh 13 days ago, bemusing critics who felt that changes were inevitable following a second-half display when Scotland scored 20 unanswered points.
Howley’s assistant, Robin McBryde, said: “We hope they (players) feel a bit galvanised by the fact they get to go again and step up their performance. Because there’s no changes, there’s no excuses.
“We’ve shown faith in them as coaches that we feel there is a lot more to come, they are deserving of that opportunity and this is their shot at it.
“If Wales don’t succeed, you are going to get a fair bit of flak. That’s life. Rob, Neil Jenkins (Wales skills coach) and myself, anybody involved in Welsh rugby in the Nineties, we know what it’s like. Perhaps this is a new experience for this squad of players, but they have got to come through it. It’s in adversity that you show your true colours.”
The game will be played under a closed stadium roof and Ireland skipper Rory Best said: “We’ve played here at the World Cup with the roof closed, so we know how loud it’s going to get. But we want to play in as close to perfect conditions as you can get and closing the roof guarantees no rain.”
Ireland No8 Jamie Heaslip will be making his 100th Test appearance.
