Paul O’Connell has recovered from the chest infection that prevented him from lining out against Scotland and will lead Ireland against 6 Nations champions Wales on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.
Last week’s late call-up to the starting XV, Dan Touhy resumes his place on the bench as O’Connell is the only change to the pack that started against Scotland.
The only other change to the side that started against the Scots sees Gordon D’Arcy replace Luke Marshall at inside centre. D’arcy will partner Brian O’Driscoll in the Irish midfield for the 53rd time on Saturday with Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton named as the half-back pairing.
The back three that provided two of Ireland’s tries against Scotland is retained with Rob Kearney at fullback and Dave Kearney and Andrew Trimble on the wings.
Highlights from today’s press conference can be viewed on IrishRugbyTV.
IRELAND Team & Replacements v Wales, Aviva Stadium, Dublin,
RBS 6 Nations Championship, Saturday 8th February kick-off 14.30 GMT
Player/Club/Province/Caps
15. Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster) 50
14. Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster) 51
13. Brian O’Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) 129
12. Gordon D’Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster) 76
11. Dave Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster) 3
10. Jonathan Sexton (Racing Metro 92) 39
9. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster) 23
8. Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster) 61
7. Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster) 10
6. Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) 20
5. Paul O’Connell (Young Munster/Munster) 88 capt
4. Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster) 11
3. Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) 35
2. Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) 71
1. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster) 43
Replacements
16. Sean Cronin (St. Mary’s College/Leinster) 31
17. Jack McGrath (St. Mary’s College/Leinster) 4
18. Martin Moore (Lansdowne/Leinster) 1
19. Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster) 8
20. Tommy O’Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster) 3
21. Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster) 18
22. Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster) 6
23. Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster) 22
