Remember you can watch Steve Tandy's press conference live from the Wales team's HQ at the Vale Hotel at 10:30 GMT.

Gareth Rhys Owen
BBC Radio Wales commentator

Coaches always insist the focus is on the here and now, never the following week. But there is some irony around this match because Wales' campaign will likely be judged far more on the home game against Italy than what happens in Dublin.

Italy and Scotland in Cardiff always looked the more realistic chances of a win, so the task here may be to stay competitive, build on the Scotland performance and avoid the kind of heavy defeats seen against England and France

Image source, Getty Images

Here are some stats that show why Tandy's side are huge underdogs for the fixture in Dublin:

• Ireland have won their last four Six Nations matches against Wales, their best run in the fixture since winning four on the bounce between 2001 and 2004.
• Ireland are unbeaten in their last six home Six Nations clashes with Wales (five wins and a draw) and have won their last four, both their longest unbeaten run and longest winning streak at home to Wales in the championship.
• Ireland have won 22 of their last 24 home games against European opposition, with France the only Six Nations team to beat them in that period (2021 and 2025), a run which dates back to 2019.

A trip to Dublin to take on Ireland is not the easiest way for Wales to end their three-year wait for a Six Nations win - on paper at least.

Do you think Wales stand a chance on Friday evening?

Use the 'Send us your views' box on the left-hand side of the page to have your say.

Gareth Rhys Owen
BBC Radio Wales commentator

Ellis Mee's return may reflect Wales' thinking about Ireland's kicking game.

At 6ft 4in he offers real height on the wing and with Jamison Gibson-Park's box-kicking such a key part of Ireland's attack, having aerial presence could be important

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Dave from Swansea just said he was pleased the centre partnership was the same and that is something Wales have not managed for a while.

Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn were the pairing in the autumn but now Wales believe they are onto a good thing with the Scarlets combination of Joe Hawkins and Eddie James.

"There will be different combinations at different times because we have to develop people for the future," said attack coach Matt Sherratt.

"We have that second-receiver type of player in Joe, who is physically very good as well, and Eddie is a very big athlete who runs good lines off him."

The duo join forces for the third time when Steve Tandy's men face Ireland.

James has filled the gap left by Llewellyn's injury while Hawkins replaced Thomas after the opener at England.

Despite having worn 12 for most of his senior career, James has resumed the partnership he formed with Hawkins for Wales Under-20s in both 2021 and 2022.

"I enjoy playing with Joe and we have a good relationship off the pitch as well," he said.

"The more games you play with any centre partner, the more you get more a feel for what they do and hopefully get better.

"He reads the game well and understands it. He can carry and also be a ball player while my strengths are my size and carrying ability.

"Starting at 13 has made me think about the game in different ways and it has added another string to my bow, getting the ball in space."

Image source, Getty Images

Among the replacements is Bath centre Louie Hennessey, who is in line to make his Wales debut.

Cardiff-born Hennessey made a big impact with Wales Under-20s in previous years but has been limited for game time at Bath given the size and strength of their squad.

He even returned to Cardiff last season as injury cover for a spell and this season has made six appearances for Bath, including four starts.

However, he has scored three tries in those six games - not a bad strike rate - including one in his last appearance back in January.

"Louie was unfortunate not to get his opportunity in the autumn, but he's trained really well," said Wales head coach Steve Tandy.

"He had a bit of a bump on his hand at the start of this campaign, but the way he's recovered and put performances in the training environment has been very impressive.

"We're all excited to see Louie go out in Dublin."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

We've had a few words already from Wales head coach Steve Tandy.

But stay with us as we bring you plenty of reaction, including Tandy's press conference later this morning.

"This week it's about backing up the performance against Scotland," her said.

"Going away from home is a different type of environment for our group, but the focus for us is really improving on what we did last game.

"I thought the defence against Scotland was much improved so we definitely want to double down on that going to Ireland.

"You see how they keep the ball in possession, they play lots of passes so we know we're going to have to build and improve from the other week."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

We mentioned how Wales have been seeking their long-term number 10, well a replacement for Jac Morgan has also proved elusive.

Let's be fair, it's pretty hard to replace a captain, a British & Irish Lion and a brilliant player like for like.

Josh Macleod started the Six Nations against England, Alex Mann then got the nod against France and Scotland and now James Botham is given a chance against Ireland.

And Tommy Reffell is not even in the wider squad.

Botham certainly provides power but he'll be glad not to be facing Finn Russell's quick kick-offs again.

There seems to be a lot of frustration at Adam Beard's spot among the replacements.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Steve Tandy brought in Dragons lock Ben Carter to join Dafydd Jenkins against Scotland at the expense of Adam Beard.

Exeter's Jenkins was non-stop, hitting rucks and putting himself about with ball in hand.

That comes as no surprise - only Jac Morgan made more tackles than his 78 in last year's Six Nations.

So far Jenkins has made the most tackles (55) and hit the most attacking rucks (98) of any player in the first three rounds.

The Chiefs lock made 22 tackles against the Scots and Dragons co-captain Carter matched that tally in an impressive first Six Nations start.

After being involved in the Wales set-up frequently since his 2021 debut, it was something of a breakthrough performance by a man who has shown his quality on the club scene.

Carter needs to back that up in Dublin, where the pair will be backed up by Adam Beard, who returns to the bench at the expense of Freddie Thomas.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

The Wales number 10 jersey has been a revolving door for the past three years since the retirement of Dan Biggar.

Dan Edwards had started all six of Steve Tandy's games in charge before he was dropped for Scotland.

But injury to Sam Costelow has prompted his return.

Edwards has been such a composed figure at that pivotal position but he will have seen how Costelow marshalled that backline in the first half against Scotland and, hopefully, taken heed.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

So let's take a look at each of the changes to the Wales team.

Firstly Ellis Mee is recalled to wing after losing his place to Gabriel Hamer-Webb last time out.

The Scarlet started against England and France in the first two rounds and has been right in form for his region.

He's a strong runner but especially effective in the air which is exactly why he has been re-called.

Head coach Steve Tandy said: "Ellis had played well in the opening couple of rounds, so we feel he deserves the opportunity again."

Confusing comment from Tandy there.

If he was so good in the first two games. why drop him?

The team is in, but what do you make of the selection?

Use the 'Send us your views' box on the left-hand side of the page to have your say.

Here's the Wales team... four changes from the Scotland game including one positional switch.

Dan Edwards, Ellis Mee and James Botham start with Alex Mann switching flanks.

Bath centre Louie Hennessey is set make his international debut off the bench.

Wales: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, Hawkins, Adams; Edwards, Williams; Carre, Lake, Francis, Jenkins, Carter, Mann, Wainwright, Botham.

Replacements: Elias, Smith, Griffin, Beard, Cracknell, Hardy, Evans, Hennessey.