Wales v Ireland: Three key battles in the Six Nations collision in Cardiff

Warrenball mark two is dead following the resignation of Wales' most successful head coach and uncertainty has filled the gap, but the fact remains that if world number two ranked Ireland have made it to Cardiff with their focus intact then they should produce a third try bonus point victory in their bid for championship glory.

Seven changes to the starting line-up, with only two enforced through injury, should have focused minds this week. The same goes for a first Test game as captain for Dan Sheehan and first Six Nations starts for Jamie Osborne and Thomas Clarkson.

Wales have also rung the changes with interim boss Matt Sherratt ripping up the script from the latest morale-sapping defeat - Rome, a fortnight ago - by bringing back some familiar faces and making eight line-up switches. Here, we look at three battles - at out-half, at the breakdown and in the scrum - that should determine the outcome.

SAM PRENDERGAST V GARETH ANSCOMBE

The feeling was that Jack Crowley might get the nod this week but Simon Easterby has stuck with Prendergast, who turned 22 since he was man of the match against Scotland, to keep him ticking over ahead of the France game in a fortnight.

Snubbed by Warren Gatland of late, 33-year-old Anscombe comes straight into the No.10 role for Wales and will immediately improve their attack.

TOMMY REFFELL V JOSH VAN DER FLIER

Like Anscombe, Reffell was restored to the Welsh side as one of eight changes made. The hosts' plan is clear as they seek to follow England's game plan by targeting Ireland's breakdown, with poach king Reffell joined by fellow openside Jac Morgan.

Caelan Doris is a loss to Ireland but van der Flier is at his world-best level right now and has support from Peter O'Mahony and Jack Conan.

ANDREW PORTER V WILLGRIFF JOHN

The fear in Wales is that Ireland's pack is just too strong for their own and Porter, who is in superb form, will look to dominate the scrum battle in Cardiff.

The 29-year-old comes up against John, a 32-year-old tighthead who has made a circuitous route back to the Test game. It's his first Wales cap since 2021 and if he can't gain parity it will be a long afternoon for the Welsh forwards.

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