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Simon Zebo gets Keith Earls training jersey. ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
6 Nations

Kearney, Gilroy and Zebo to lead exciting Irish backline against Wales

Coach Declan Kidney is targeting an away win to spark an Irish Grand Slam challenge.

IRELAND COACH DECLAN KIDNEY has named an attacking backline for his side’s Six Nations opener against Wales.

Rob Kearney returns at fullback for the first time since the tour to New Zealand last summer while Brian O’Driscoll is back at outside centre.

On the wings, Craig Gilroy switches to the right, in place of Tommy Bowe, while Simon Zebo is on the left.

Jonathan Sexton, who is off to play his club rugby in France next season, is once again joined in the half-back pairing by Conor Murray.

Captain Jamie Heaslip is partnered by Sean O’Brien, who last played for Ireland in June 2012, and Peter O’Mahony.

With hooker Richardt Strauss injured, the front row has a familiar feel with Leinster props Cian Healy and Mike Ross flanking Rory Best.

Donnacha Ryan and Mike McCarthy continue their burgeoning second row partnership after impressive outings against South Africa and Argentina in June.

Ireland: R Kearney; C Gilroy, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, S Zebo; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, M Ross; D Ryan, M McCarthy; P O’Mahony, S O’Brien, J Heaslip (c).

Replacements: D Kilcoyne, S Cronin, D Fitzpatrick, D O’Callaghan, C Henry, E Reddan, R ‘O’Gara, K Earls.

Rob Kearney fields a high ball against Wales. (©INPHO/Dan Sheridan)

Ireland take on Wales at the Millennium Stadium from 1:30pm on Saturday, 2 February.

Join TheScore.ie this Saturday for all the match build-up, live action and post-match comments and analysis.

More to follow…

Beat Wales and we could be in for a 6 Nations to remember – Ollie Campbell

5 crazy facts about Wales captain Sam Warburton

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