IRELAND HEAD COACH Joe Schmidt has made two changes to the team that beat Scotland as he prepares for Saturday’s clash with Wales in the Six Nations.
Paul O’Connell has recovered from the chest infection that saw him withdraw at a late stage from the victory over the Scots last weekend, while Gordon D’Arcy comes into the team at inside centre in place of Luke Marshall.
D’Arcy will win his 77th Irish cap on Saturday, once again linking up with Brian O’Driscoll. The Leinster centre had been ruled out of selection contention for the Scotland clash due to a stomach bug during the build-up. His defensive strength will be needed against Wales’ powerful midfield.
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Otherwise, Schmidt has opted for continuity following last weekend’s 28-6 success as he backs his side to maintain winning momentum.
Ireland: R Kearney; A Trimble, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, D Kearney; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, M Ross, D Toner, P O’Connell (capt.); P O’Mahony, C Henry, J Heaslip.
Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, M Moore, D Tuohy, T O’Donnell, I Boss, P Jackson, F McFadden.
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….funny the interest you take in some sports when you have the highest quality contests and someone from home that you never heard of before today….
@Michael Murray: had the same epiphany with badminton & handball…absolutely brilliant to watch when played at such a high standard