Ireland can cover spread

Ireland can cover a three-point spread at evens with Bet365 when Wales are the visitors in the RBS Six Nations on Saturday.

Although Ireland have been hit by injuries on the run-up to the match — Rob Kearney will start at full-back after Geordan Murphy and Girvan Dempsey failed fitness tests — they are still a force to be reckoned with in the kind of intense match Saturday is likely to produce.

Kearney’s switch, from left wing to full-back, has forced a domino effect with wing Tommy Bowe changing flanks and Shane Horgan promoted from the bench to fill the gap on the other side.

Ireland showed something like their best in a 34-13 win over an admittedly poor Scotland side last time, and represent a tough test for tournament leaders Wales, the winners of all three starts.

Wales have a demanding finish — they are home to France in their final game — and Ireland are exacting  opponents. Although Wales have a victory over England at Twickenham to their credit this term, England imploded that day and Wales may not find Ireland as helpful.

Victory at Croke Park would give Wales a Triple Crown, but they have beaten Ireland only once in their past eight meetings — in their 2005 Grand Slam — and have not won in Dublin for eight years.

This is an intriguing match but home advantage gives Ireland that significant edge. They can cover the spread.