Former Leinster and Ulster coach Matt Williams is predicting a welsh victory in Ireland's capital on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's vital Six Nations contest in Aviva Stadium, Williams says Ireland will need everything and more to beat the Welsh in tomorrow's third round of Championship fixtures.
“I think Wales are favourites. For me, Ireland will have to play at the absolute extremity of their ability, and have a bit of luck to win the game.”
The Aussie joined this morning's OTB AM to preview Ireland's third fixture in this seasons Six Nations Championship.
Williams is concerned at the growing injury list in the Irish camp. He says the amount of key absentees will put a dent to Ireland's Grand Slam ambitions.
The former Scotland head coach is concerned at the lack of experienced replacements available for Ireland.
Ireland have lost Tadgh Furlong, Robbie Henshaw and Ian Henderson in recent weeks, and Williams believes the lack of international expierence amongst the replacements will be too much for Ireland to cope with.
"You lose three of the best players in the World at their position. Henderson, Henshaw. And then you lose Furlong - who's possibly the best in his position. They are replaced by talented but young, good players. Ireland has seven players, under ten caps"
The former Leinster coach believes the bookies have completed misjudged Wales' chances of victory in the Irish capital tomorrow.
"Bookies rarely get it wrong, but I think they're right off the mark for this game. I think Wales should come in slot favourites."
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