Fine margins should swing in Ireland’s favour today

Fine margins, this fixture has been determined by them time and time again over the past decade and everything points to a similar scenario when Ireland and Wales lock horns once more in Dublin this afternoon.

Whether it has been in the Six Nations, a World Cup or even a pre-tournament warm-up, the last 10 years have seen these Celtic cousins fight for every inch with the scoreline every bit as narrow.

Even in last season’s match-up, when the Welsh, coached in Warren Gatland’s absence by Rob Howley, won by a healthy 22-9 in Cardiff, the contest was much tighter than the margin of victory suggested, as Irish captain Rory Best recalled yesterday, bringing back memories of his disallowed maul try and a late charge-down of a Johnny Sexton kick by Taulupe Faletau that let Jamie Roberts in to secure victory.