Wed. Dec 18th, 2024
Occasional Digest - a story for you

Ireland replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Cian Healy, 18. Oli Jager, 19. James Ryan, 20. Ryan Baird, 21. Jack Conan, 22. Conor Murray, 23. Stuart McCloskey

Ireland starting XV:

15. Ciaran Frawley, 14. Calvin Nash, 13. Robbie Henshaw, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. James Lowe, 10. Jack Crowley, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park, 8. Caelan Doris, 7. Josh van der Flier, 6. Peter O’Mahony (c), 5. Tadhg Beirne, 4. Joe McCarthy, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 2. Dan Sheehan, 1. Andrew Porter

Welcome to Ireland vs Wales

Andy Farrell’s side welcome a youthful Welsh side to the Aviva Stadium, with Ireland massive favourites to win the Grand Slam after their win in Paris.

Hugo Keenan will miss out for the match in Dublin after sustaining a knee injury in the win over Italy so Ciaran Frawley set to replace him at full-back.

Caelan Doris has overcome a slight injury and will rejoin the back row, while Peter O’Mahony and prop Tadhg Furlong are fit and will accompany Doris in Ireland’s formidable pack.

James Ryan returns to the bench along with Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray and Stuart McCloskey will offer Farrell a 6-2 split for the challenge of Wales.

Warren Gatland has made one change to his starting line-up with Sam Costelow returning to the number 10 jersey for Wales after missing out last in the last match at Twickenham.

Costelow will start alongside Tomos Williams in the half-pairing, while Nick Tompkins and George North will once again team up in midfield with youngster Cameron Winnett retaining his place at full-back.

In the front row, prop duo Gareth Thomas and Keiron Assiratti will pack down on either side of hooker Elliot Dee, while captain Dafydd Jenkins will partner with Adam Beard in the second row.

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