Ireland will show Wales 'utmost respect' - Bealham

Finlay Bealham has started Ireland's past six games

Ireland prop Finlay Bealham has predicted Wales will "be coming out firing" when the sides meet in round three of the Six Nations at the Principality Stadium on 22 February.

The hosts are bottom of the table with only one losing bonus point to show for defeats by France and Italy, and on Tuesday replaced head coach Warren Gatland with Cardiff's Matt Sherratt for the remainder of the championship.

Ireland are chasing a third consecutive Six Nations crown and, having already beaten England and Scotland, would secure the Triple Crown with victory in Cardiff.

"It's another away game in a really prestigious stadium," said Bealham before news of Gatland's departure.

"It's Wales' first game at home as well, so they'll be well up for it, backs against the wall. I've no doubt they'll be coming out firing.

"We'll go in with the utmost respect and do our thing."

Ireland could become the first side to win three outright Six Nations titles in a row and are targeting what would be their fifth Grand Slam.

Bealham said Ireland cannot focus on the prospect of making history.

"It's there in the background but I suppose we just stay pretty consistent in our process, take it day by day," he added.

"We've three more games and it would be silly to look too far in the future. We take it just one game at a time and try to put our best foot forward."