| Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday, 24 February Kick-off: 14:15 GMT |
| Coverage: Watch live on S4C; Listen on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru & BBC Radio Ulster; live text updates, report, reaction & highlights on BBC Sport website & app. Highlights on Scrum V Six Nations, Sunday, 25 February, BBC Two Wales from 18:00 GMT and later on demand |
Andy Farrell said it was “an easy decision” to give Ciaran Frawley his first Ireland start in Saturday’s Six Nations home game against Wales after Hugo Keenan was ruled out by injury.
Frawley, 26, will earn his third cap after being selected at full-back and Farrell says he “deserves his chance”.
“We started the campaign with him over there [at our training camp] in Portugal,” said the Ireland coach.
“He was training as a 15. It’s very natural for him to fill that position.”
Frawley has made the majority of his Leinster appearances at centre or fly-half, but Keenan’s knee injury sustained in Ireland’s round two win over Italy means the utility back earns an overdue first start in the number 15 shirt.
“It’s exciting for him. He’s always been in and around the squad and pushing,” added Ireland coach Farrell.
“The versatility that Frawls has got has always earmarked him for a bench spot. He’s always been waiting for this chance. Hugo doesn’t get injured too much.”
Keenan expected to be fit for England game
Farrell added that he “expects” Keenan to be available for Ireland’s game against England on 9 March, with the coach optimistic Garry Ringrose (shoulder) and Iain Henderson (dislocated toe) will also be in contention for the Twickenham contest.
Munster prop Oli Jager is in line to make his debut in Saturday’s game after being named on the bench as Connacht’s Finlay Bealham is left out of the matchday squad for a contest which will have the Irish aiming to stay on course for a second straight Grand Slam.
London-born Jager, 28, was raised in Ireland, and although he played for played for Ireland Schools he then missed out on selection for the Leinster academy. That led to him heading to New Zealand to forge a professional career with Super Rugby side Crusaders.
However, he opted to sign for Munster last year and now earns his Ireland chance after a series of impressive performances for the Irish province.
“It’s always a pleasure to give somebody their debut,” said Farrell of Jager’s inclusion.
“I had a couple of conversations with him over the years when we were in New Zealand.
“I met him about his plans etc and where that sat. He was content enough because he was building a really nice life for himself over there and doing unbelievably well for the Crusaders.
“But he’s showed his ambition to come back to Ireland and make a claim for a spot in playing for his country.”