Wales have not won a Six Nations match on home soil since February 2022, more than 1,100 days ago, and their recent record against Ireland shows seven defeats from the last eight starts.
Gatland’s departure followed within 72 hours, and Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt was appointed on an interim basis, covering Wales’ final three Six Nations appointments with Ireland, Scotland and England.
They go into the game on a record run of 14 successive Test defeats, eight Six Nations losses on the bounce and seven Test reversals in a row at the Principality Stadium.
Captain Jac Morgan says it is a “big motivation” for Wales after being widely written off against Guinness Six Nations title favourites Ireland on Saturday.
It would represent arguably the biggest shock in Six Nations history if Wales rip up a form-book that includes their opponents standing 10 places above them in World Rugby’s official rankings.
