Rob Howley’s men host the men in green in front of a capacity crowd keen to return to winning ways after defeats to England and Scotland. The next game is always the most important but with an unchanged team from their last tie at Murrayfield, Wales are intent on victory.
Success over Ireland would end the visitors’ hopes of the title and be a perfect way for flanker Justin Tipuric to mark his 50th cap. The 27-year-old Osprey brings up his half century of appearances in a clash which will see him go head-to-head with Sean O’Brien.
“Ireland are a great team. Not many teams beat the All Blacks and they’ve done that,” Tipuric said.
“They’re very strong up front and set-piece wise. They’ve got a good scrum, a great line-out and they’re very physical around the park. We know exactly what type of game it’s going to be.
“We’re going to be battered and bruised afterwards and that’s what the games against Ireland are like. They’re big, heavy and powerful and it’s going to be a tough test.”
Wales’ unchanged side means Tipuric continues in the back row alongside Sam Warburton and No 8 Ross Moriarty. Luke Charteris, Taulupe Faletau and Sam Davies are among the men poised to make an impact from the bench.
On his 50-cap milestone, Tipuric added: “I haven’t really thought about it. It’s something I didn’t think I’d get, but it’s crept up and it’s a nice achievement to have. When you start playing you’re happy to get one cap, but to get 50 you just want to keep going.”
Tipuric is enjoying a run of games in Wales’ starting side but of his soon-to-be 50 caps, 26 have come from the bench. Tradition dictates he’ll have to sing a post-match song to mark the occasion.
“I’m going to try and run off and not sing, that’s what I’m planning,” Tipuric added.
“I’ve got a dreadful voice and there’s only one song I know – My Girl from Temptations. If I make it unfortunately I’m going to have to sing that and go for gold.”
While the post-match festivities can wait, Wales’ priority is victory. Ireland are also unchanged, with Jared Payne’s ankle knock meaning Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose continue in the centre.
“Ireland are a pretty good outfit. They have had a good season, but we have got to be confident,” said Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde.
“For me personally there is still that level of hurt there from the Scotland defeat. It’s wrong for me to say there is nothing for us to lose in this game. We have world rankings to think of, but there is maybe a bit more pressure on the Irish team. They are the favourites for this game.
“We hope the players feel galvanised by the fact they have the opportunity to go out and play again. There are no excuses and we feel there is more to come from these players.”
Wales will take on an Irish side under a closed Principality Stadium roof.
Ireland captain Rory Best said: “This is a very good Welsh team. I suppose there is a lot of pressure on them, but we are under no illusions about the size of the task ahead of us.
“To get a win here would be a massive achievement and we understand if we don’t win the championship is dead for us.
“The Principality Stadium is one of the best in the world and on Friday night it’s going to be louder than anything we’ve experienced before.”
