Ireland announce team to play Wales as new captain named and trio out
Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland for the first time on Saturday after world class No 8 Caelan Doris was ruled out of Saturday's Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff.
The Leinster hooker has only recently returned from injury himself and replaces Ronan Kelleher, who has been ruled out with a neck issue, in the starting XV. Despite missing Kelleher, Doris and Tadhg Furlong, Ireland are still overwhelming favourites to beat Wales who have a new interim head coach in Matt Sherratt after Warren Gatland stepped down last week.
In the pack, Andrew Porter, captain Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson, who starts for Ireland for the first time, are named in the front row, with Joe McCarthy returning to fitness to partner Tadhg Beirne in the second row. Peter O’Mahony continues at blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier is at openside and Jack Conan completes the Ireland starting team at No 8.
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Leinster's Jamie Osborne will make his Six Nations debut after getting selected to start at full-back while he is joined in the back three by James Lowe and Mack Hansen. Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose are the midfield pairing for the trip to Cardiff.
Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park are retained as the half-back pairing. Ireland are coached by Wales target Simon Easterby and a victory will see the visitors clinch a Triple Crown. "Playing Wales in Cardiff is one of the great tests and we know the challenge that awaits us," said Easterby.
"With a new coaching set-up in place, Wales will be re-energised and determined to impress in front of a vocal home support. 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: Osborne; Hansen, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe; S Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan (capt), Clarkson; McCarthy, Beirne; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Conan. Replacements: McCarthy, Boyle, Bealham, Ryan, C Prendergast, Murray, Crowley, Aki.
