The 2023 Six Nations has finally arrived, and not only that; but there's a real sense of optimism here in Ireland. Marginal favourites and world number one, could this be their year?

If it is, the boys in green must first overcome a stiff Welsh challenge in Cardiff; where we haven't won in a decade. In today's article I preview that game and have even called in for a Welsh perspective on things.

Enjoy!! 🏉☘️ #WalesRugby #IrelandRugby #WALvIRE #rugby

https://caolansrugby.wordpress.com/2023/02/03/gatland-and-farrell-finally-face-off-in-six-nations-opener/

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac replaced by Warren Gatland - https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/63770196

#Wales #WalesRugby #rugby #rugbyunion

Breaking: WRU set to sack Wayne Pivac less than a year out from RWC 2023 and replace him with Warren Gatland #rugby #WalesRugby #Wales

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2022/12/05/warren-gatland-re-appointed-wales-head-coach-wayne-pivac-sacked/

Georgia have beaten Wales. Last week, Italy beat Australia. Back in July, Georgia beat Italy.

Even if the favourites have played poorly, the fact that Italy and Georgia are competing and winning shows European rugby is in a very healthy place.

Never been a better time to bring in promotion and relegation from the Six Nations (with a playoff). It would make absolutely fantastic viewing.

#AutumnInternationals #Rugby #RugbyUnion #Wales #Georgia #Italy #WalesRugby

Elsewhere:

This might be #WalesRugby best chance to beat NZ for a while, but... #WALvNZL

France are clearly the best team in the world and should roll Australia #FRAvAUS

England's play will be interesting after a shaky year #ENGvARG

Scotland look stronger than last week #SCOvFIJ

Italy v Samoa could be the underrated good game of the weekend, two strong improving teams #ITAvSAM

Georgia v Uruguay will be 1 to monitor, will Georgia start converting good U20 years into results? #GEOvURU

Elsewhere:

This might be #WalesRugby best chance to beat NZ for a while, but... #WALvNZL

France are clearly the best team in the world and should roll Australia #FRAvAUS

England's play will be interesting after a shaky year #ENGvARG

Scotland look stronger than last week #SCOvFIJ

Italy v Samoa could be the underrated good game of the weekend, two strong improving teams #ITAvSAM

Georgia v Uruguay will be 1 to monitor, will Georgia start converting good U20 years into results? #GEOvURU