Ireland v Wales: what you need to know before kick off
What time’s kick off?
Wales take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin at 3pm.
How can I watch it?
Our live match coverage with Mark Pougatch starts at 2pm. He’ll be joined by former Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll, former Wales captain Gareth Thomas, and Jonny Wilkinson, with pitch-side reports from Martin Bayfield and Maggie Alphonsi. Nick Mullins, Gordon D’Arcy and Shane Williams will have commentary.
Read more: Here's how you can enjoy the Six Nations on ITV Cymru Wales
Why does it matter so much?
Wales have won the Grand Slam the past two Six Nations following a Rugby World Cup - in 2008 and 2012 - and the squad is hoping history will repeat itself in Dublin this weekend. A win in Ireland will put Wales in good stead for the Scotland and France games - both of which are on home soil at the newly-renamed Principality Stadium.
Wales and Ireland have had a pretty even record over the past 10 years, with seven wins apiece. But when it comes to the Six Nations tournament, Ireland pip Wales to the post winning six of the meetings since 2005, compared to Wales’s five. In last year’s tournament, Wales were victorious. Wales have won four Six Nations titles and Ireland two.
Here are a few other stats:
Ireland have lost only once in round one of the Six Nations since 2004: to Wales at the Aviva Stadium in 2012
Wales have started the Six Nations with an opening weekend defeat in four of the past six years but in 2013 they still went on to take the title and last season they won their remaining four matches.
Wales have won their last five games played on opposition turf and in last season's RBS 6 Nations won all their three away games, in Scotland, France and Italy.
Who are the players to look out for?
Justin Tipuric, Rob Evans and Tom James are all named in Warren Gatland’s starting line-up. Evans earns his fourth Wales cap, while James makes his first appearance since 2010, earning his 11th cap.
Read more: James needed to be 'the forgotten man of Welsh rugby'
Jonathan Davies returns from injury to partner Jamie Roberts in the midfield for the 40th time and Dan Biggar and Gareth Davies will be hoping to build on their success during the Rugby World Cup at half-back.
Ireland are without winger Luke Fitzgerald who picked up a knee ligament injury during a training session last week and Tommy Bowe is still sidelined, also with a knee injury.
South Africa-born flanker CJ Stander who is making his debut for Ireland could be one to watch.
The Munster back-rower will start at blindside having completed his Ireland qualification on residency grounds.
Wales team
Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues).
Ireland team
S Zebo (Munster), A Trimble (Ulster), J Payne (Ulster), R Henshaw (Connacht), K Earls (Munster), J Sexton (Leinster), C Murray (Munster), J McGrath (Leinster), R Best (Ulster, capt), N White (Connacht), D Toner, M McCarthy (both Leinster), CJ Stander, T O'Donnell (both Munster), J Heaslip (Leinster).
Replacements: S Cronin (Leinster), J Cronin (Munster), T Furlong (Leinster), D Ryan (Munster), R Ruddock (Leinster), K Marmion (Connacht), I Madigan, D Kearney (both Leinster).