Joe Schmidt has today revealed the Irish XV set to begin Ireland’s defence of the Six Nations.
Both Rob Kearney and Sean O’Brien have been ruled out of Sunday’s game, both with hamstring problems. O’Brien’s injury has left an opening at openside flanker, which is to be filled by Tommy O’Donnell. On the blindside, Munster captain CJ Stander will make his first appearance for the national side. Jamie Healslip returns at number 8.
In the second row, the stalwart Devin Toner retains his position with Leinster partner, Mike McCarthy at his side. In front of them an experienced front row will take the field, consisting of Jack McGrath, Nathan White and new captain Rory Best.
The expected pairing of Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray line out at nine and ten, with Ian Madigan and Connacht scrumhalf, Kieran Marmion, cover from the bench. Paddy Jackson failed to make the cut, being released back to Ulster for their match against Dragons.
Despite recent concerns, Schmidt has elected to stand by his centre pairing of Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne. Sunday will be Payne’s first international game since Ireland’s win over Romania in the World Cup where the centre fractured his foot.
Simon Zebo will fill in at full back for the injured Kearney, a position he became acquainted with during the World Cup. On the two wings we see Keith Earls and Andrew Trimble.
The team consists of nine changes to that which lost to Argentina in October, Ireland’s last international fixture, while a further two of that team will be occupy spaces on the bench.
Ireland team to face Wales
15. Simon Zebo, 14. Andrew Trimble, 13. Jared Payne, 12. Robbie Henshaw, 11. Keith Earls, 10. Jonathan Sexton, 9. Conor Murray; 1. Jack McGrath, 2. Rory Best, 3. Nathan White, 4. Devin Toner, 5. Mike McCarthy, 6. CJ Stander, 7. Tommy O’Donnell, 8. Jaime Healslip
Replacements
16. Sean Cronin, 17. James Cronin, 18. Tadhg Furlong, 19. Donnacha Ryan, 20. Rhys Ruddock, 21. Kieran Marmion, 22. Ian Madigan, 23. Dave Kearney
