Ireland ring changes for Six Nations clash with Wales

Ireland head coach Simon Easterby has rung the changes as he named his team to face Wales in Round 3 of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations in Cardiff on Saturday.

Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland for the first time. The 26-year-old is set for his first Test start since tearing his ACL last summer, following brief appearances in Ireland’s recent wins over England and Scotland. With Ronan Kelleher and regular skipper Caelan Doris both injured, interim boss Simon Easterby has made seven changes from the side that beat Scotland, aiming to keep the reigning champions on track for a third consecutive title and the Triple Crown.

Jamie Osborne will make his first Six Nations appearance at full-back, with Gus McCarthy and Cian Prendergast also in contention for their Championship debuts from the replacements.

Osborne joins James Lowe and Mack Hansen in the back three. Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose form the midfield, while Sam Prendergast partners Jamison Gibson-Park at half-back.

Andrew Porter, Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson make up the front row, with Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne in the second row.

Clarkson makes his first Six Nations start, while loosehead Jack Boyle is in line for his debut off the bench.

Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, and Jack Conan complete the back row.

Fixture

Six Nations

Wales

18 - 27

Full-time

Ireland

All Stats and Data

The replacements are Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Cian Prendergast, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Bundee Aki.

“Playing Wales in Cardiff is one of the great tests and we know the challenge that awaits us. With a new coaching set-up in place, Wales will be re-energised and determined to impress in front of a vocal home support,” said Easterby.

“There will also be a huge Irish travelling support which, when added to the closed roof and the great respect and rivalry between the two nations, will add to an electric atmosphere.

“We have made a few changes to the squad this week, some of which were enforced, and we’re confident that the 23 we have selected are primed and ready to go. Dan Sheehan’s selection as captain is recognition of his high standing within the squad, both on and off the pitch. I have no doubt that he will relish the opportunity to lead Ireland for the first time.

“Equally, I would also like to congratulate Jack Boyle on his inclusion in the Match Day Squad for the first time. Jack has impressed for his province, Leinster, and in the national training camps over the last number of months and he is a young forward with a bright future.”

Ireland team: 15. Jamie Osborne, 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Robbie Henshaw, 11. James Lowe, 10. Sam Prendergast, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park, 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Thomas Clarkson, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Peter O’Mahony, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Jack Conan.

Replacements: 16. Gus McCarthy, 17. Jack Boyle, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. James Ryan, 20. Cian Prendergast, 21. Conor Murray, 22. Jack Crowley, 23. Bundee Aki.