Wales host Ireland in Cardiff for the opening match of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations. These two home nations sides had a decorated rivalry throughout history, but who comes out on top in their previous meetings?
First Wales vs Ireland Match
Since the two sides first met in an exhibition match, which pre-dates the first-ever Home Nations Rugby Union Championship. On the 28th January 1882, Wales came away victorious at Lansdowne Road, Dublin. The scoring was far from the modern day’s system, with the final score reading Ireland 0-2 Wales. The initial scoring system meant that a point could only be scored for a successfully converted try.
Six Nations Meetings (Since 2000)
Wales have won nine meetings in the current Six Nations format, and even took the inaugural victory in 2000, with just one Six Nations draw since the turn of the millennium, coming at the Aviva Stadium in 2016. Ireland have gotten the better of Wales with twelve victorious Six Nations matches to their name. The last meeting between the two followed this suit, as Ireland recorded a 29-7 victory in Dublin.
Tries from Bundee Aki, Andrew Conway and Garry Ringrose and secured a one-sided win, in last year’s Six Nations opener. Will history repeat itself this year, or will the returning Warren Gatland inspire a stronger performance from his side in Cardiff?
All Time Meetings (Since 1882)
Historically, Wales lead the Head to Head over Ireland, with 70 wins to 56, and just seven draws in total. It is a relativly even split for Welsh victories at home and away, with 39 victories taking place on their home soil. This Saturday’s clash will be the 63rd time the two sides have met in Wales, as Ireland look for their 22nd away win.
Winning Streaks
Ireland and Wales each share five-match long winning streaks against each other. Wales’ dominance of Ireland took place in the late 1970s, when the likes of Gareth Edwards and JPR Williams put on tantalising displays in the red jersey. Wales’ Golden Era provided a half decade of success over Ireland, from 1975 to 1980.
Ireland established their five match streak in the early 2000s, as they recorded wins over Wales in every Six Nations encounter, from 2001 to 2004, with a Rugby World Cup warm-up in between. On the cusp of the era of O’Driscoll, Ireland’s early 2000s dominance will be remembered for their 54-10 thrashing in 2002, and 24-25 Cardiff nail-biter in 2003, as Wales sunk to the bottom of the Six Nations table.
Highest Scoring Matches:
The aforementioned 2002 dominance from Ireland, is their highest recorded win over Wales. The 44 point margin of victory has not since been replicated, and stands to be the largest win of either side. Wales boast a 29 point win, dating back to before the First World War. The 29-0 shut out in 1907, is the finest win that Wales have recorded over Ireland.
