DAN SHEEHAN will captain Ireland for the first time in the Six Nations clash against Wales.
Simon Easterby‘s men travel to Cardiff to face the winless Welsh on Saturday.
The interim Ireland head coach named his starting XV on Thursday, and has made several changes from the side that beat Scotland a fortnight ago.
Sheehan starts for the first time this campaign, having come off the bench against England and the Scots, and will captain the team in place of Caelan Doris, who misses out through injury.
The Leinster hooker comes into the team for Ronan Kelleher, who joins Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, and Cormac Izuchukwu on the injury list.
With this in mind, Easterby has made a host of changes from the side that won at Murrayfield.
Sheehan is joined in the front row by Thomas Clarkson – making his first start for the national team – and Andrew Porter.
Joe McCarthy makes his return from injury to partner Tadhg Beirne, while Peter O’Mahony joins Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan, the latter of whom comes into the starting line-up.
Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast retain their places in the starting XV at scrum-half and out-half, respectively.
Jamie Osborne will make his Six Nations debut at full-back, with James Lowe and the returning Mack Hansen lining up on the wings.
Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose are the midfield pairing, with Bundee Aki dropping to the bench.
Speaking of the bench, Jack Boyle is in line to make his Ireland debut, while Gus McCarthy and Cian Prendergast could make their Six Nations bows.
Simon Easterby said: “Playing Wales in Cardiff is one of the great tests and we know the challenge that awaits us.
“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: Jamie Osborne, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirn, Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, FInlay Bealham, James Ryan, Cian Prendergast, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Bundee Aki.
