Wales can go another level and beat Ireland - Lake

Captain Dewi Lake says Wales believe they can defy the odds and beat Ireland on Friday evening in Dublin.

Wales have lost their past 14 Six Nations matches in a streak that stretches over three years, while they have suffered 24 defeats in 26 internationals since the 2023 World Cup.

Ireland are buoyed by a record 42-21 away demolition of England and are heavy favourites to win at the Aviva Stadium.

But Lake has backed his side after a more encouraging display in the 26-23 defeat by Scotland.

"We believe we can compete against Ireland because we think we're good enough, I don't think we would be here if we didn't think that," said the hooker.

"We believe that if we play our game and we get our things right, we can beat Ireland."

Lake was speaking at the final session in Dublin where number eight Aaron Wainwright trained after battling with a leg injury in the past week.

Wales have not won in Dublin in the Six Nations since 2012 and their most recent international victory at Aviva Stadium was 11 years ago in a World Cup warm-up match.

Lake, who was outstanding against Scotland 12 days ago, believes Wales turned a corner.

"I have said from game one there has been belief in the squad in this whole campaign," said Lake.

"We showed our best against Scotland and everything kind of clicked for us.

"We put a bit more effort in defence in the week and you probably saw that, the mentality to go and defend.

"When we get the ball we look good in attack and have done over the last couple of months.

"That Scotland game is only going to give us more confidence, so we can go another level this weekend."

Lake believes Wales can play on the status of being written off by almost everybody.

"That's probably our favourite place to be really, the underdog," said Lake. "Being Welsh, we've always loved that, nobody giving us an opportunity.

"Nobody gave us an opportunity last round and we showed what we could do.

"I know ultimately we didn't come away with a result but that game has given us belief.

"That's only going to carry the momentum of this squad through this weekend."

Lake says he has the ultimate respect for Ireland and the Dublin venue where he made his Wales international debut in 2022.

"They're one of the top teams in the world," said Lake. "They're always a great team and so we're excited to go and play them.

"Any time you play an Ireland team you expect tight, attacking shapes. The backs are deadly and they've got a couple of players in-form at the minute, Stuart McCloskey's playing unbelievably well."

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell only picked two Welsh players when he was the British and Irish Lions boss for the 2025 tour with flanker Jac Morgan and scrum-half Tomos Williams travelling to Australia.

Lake was asked whether the Lions selection indicated the difference between the two sides at the moment.

"It can't not, really," said Lake. "Ultimately over the last 12 months, we haven't been good enough as a team.

"The two individuals, Tomos and Jac, are world-class players and fully deserved to be on that tour.

"We haven't put enough results together, we haven't shown the team and the individuals that we can be over the last 12 months.

"Ireland are a team that have massively grown and are top-class. It shows an obvious gulf at the minute. But on our day, we believe we can beat anyone."

Lake says Wales will not be trying to prove Farrell wrong this weekend.

"I don't think that's got anything to do with it as to why we think we can compete against Ireland," said Lake.

"Regardless of who's in the room, or who's coaching, we believe we're a good enough team to do a job on them."