Six Nations, Wales v Ireland preview and tips: James Lowe worth backing

Simon Wilkes
3 February 2023

Warren Gatland is back in the Wales hot seat after replacing Wayne Pivac - and his opening Six Nations task could not be more daunting as they face an Ireland side sitting top of the world rankings.

Gatland, who coached Wales between 2008-2019, suffered a setback with the news that full-back Leigh Halfpenny will miss the Six Nations opener

Halfpenny was due to win his 98th cap and make a first Wales start for 19 months - but he has suffered a back spasm and will not be fit to face the Irish.

Assistant coach Jonathan Humphreys confirmed Cardiff back Liam Williams will replace Halfpenny in the number 15 shirt and he said: "Unfortunately, Leigh had a back spasm this morning and Liam will be playing.

"I think it's more disappointing for him as a person. He is an unbelievable professional and an unbelievable person.

"He has got to pick himself up again. You feel for him that he's got to pull out at this late stage.

"Liam is good to go."

Ireland, meanwhile, will be missing Tadhg Furlong due to calf and ankle issues which have sidelined him in recent weeks. He should be fit within the next seven days though.

Connacht's Finlay Bealham will start in place of Furlong at tighthead in Cardiff, with Tom O'Toole providing cover from the bench.

Andy Farrell has been lifted by the news that captain and fly-half Johnny Sexton is ready to lead the side having overcome his cheekbone issue.

Ireland head to Cardiff from their pre-tournament camp in Portugal as marginal title favourites ahead of 2022 Grand Slam winners France.

The Irish have not won a Six Nations match at the Principality Stadium since 2013 and suffered a 21-16 defeat there in their opening fixture of the 2021 championship.

But Farrell's Ireland should make a strong start to the tournament, winning both halves.

Wing James Lowe returns from a calf injury after missing the November fixtures - and we expect him to be too hot to handle for the hosts, so are backing him in the anytime try scorer market.