Event of the Day: Wales versus Ireland
Our event of the day is the Six Nations fixture between Wales and Ireland at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Wales are one win away from a Grand Slam title and will be eager to overcome one of rugby’s best international sides. However, Ireland still have a slim chance at the title and will do everything within their power to steal it away from Wales. Be sure you do not miss this match. Wales find themselves on the cusp of glory today. Victory over Ireland would see them win the championship and complete the Grand Slam, their first title since 2013 and their first Grand Slam since 2012. It would also make Wales the second team to complete three Grand Slams in the Six Nations era. Those three Grand Slams will have all come under Warren Gatland, who has served as Wales’ head coach since 2007. He would become the first coach to complete three Six Nations Grand Slams, a fitting retirement gift as Gatland is set to leave his job of twelve years after the World Cup in Japan later this year. A win would also extend Wales’ active winning streak to fourteen matches.
Furthermore, barring a blowout win for Wales, this would be one of the lowest scoring Grand Slam winning sides. After four matches, Wales have scored eighty-nine points, a far cry from totals of recent winners. Wales go up against one of the best teams in international rugby and will have to be at their very best to secure victory. Despite Wales’ 4-0 record in the tournament, the top of the table is incredibly tight. Wales have sixteen points, having not received a bonus point all tournament. Despite their loss to Wales, England’s dominant performances elsewhere means they have three bonus points and sit on a total of fifteen. Finally, there is Ireland, with twelve points from three wins and two bonus points for a total of fourteen. A loss for Wales could see them drop to third in the standings and if England beat Scotland, they would clinch the title. If England and Wales lose, Ireland take their fourth title in six years. Ireland will most definitely not make this easy for Wales. While they have not been at their best in this tournament, they have still shown themselves to be a dangerous team. They have outscored Wales by five points and four tries, and the chance to potentially steal the title away in Cardiff will be an incredibly enticing bonus for them. This is a match you will not want to miss n what should should be a thrilling day of rugby.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the FA Cup, where Swansea City host Manchester City at The Liberty Stadium. This David versus Goliath quarter-final match carries some personal history. Swansea’s Bersant Celina came through the Manchester City academy system and played a number of matches for the senior team before leaving to join Swansea after a number of stints on loan. Swansea play in their fifth FA Cup quarter-final in their 98 year history in the Football League and will look to upset the odds in this exciting match. Elsewhere, in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Golden State Warriors at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. In boxing, Errol Spence Jr will look to defend his IBF welterweight title against Mikey Garcia in a bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The Players Championship continues at TPC Sawgrass in Florida and in further golf action - on the European Tour, the Kenya Open continues at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi. In the NHL, the Montreal Canadiens host the Chicago Blackhawks at the Bell Centre. In snooker, the Gibraltar Open continues at the Tercentenary Sports Hall.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Six Nations