Ireland team: Andy Farrell tinkers with the squad after statement England win as Ulster stars get their chance

Andy Farrell has made a few changes to his Ireland side to take on Wales in the Six Nations, with a trio of Ulster players being given a chance in the starting line-up.

The Irish head coach has opted to leave Josh van der Flier out of the XV for the upcoming clash, with Nick Timoney given the nod at openside after impressive performances off the bench.

Also in the pack, Jeremy Loughman’s injury has opened the door for Tom O’Toole to take his place in the XV, while Jacob Stockdale comes in for James Lowe.

With Stuart McCloskey and Robert Baloucoune retaining their places, that means there are five Ulster players in the starting team, with two more among the replacements.

Tom Stewart gets an opportunity at hooker as the reserve to Ronan Kelleher with Dan Sheehan handed a rest, while Nathan Doak is set to make his Test debut.

In the Ireland backline, Baloucoune and Stockdale are joined by Jamie Osborne in the back three, while McCloskey once again partners Garry Ringrose.

Sam Prendergast omitted again

Jack Crowley and Jamison Gibson-Park continue as the half-backs after starring in the 42-21 Six Nations demolition of England. With Ciaran Frawley the fly-half option on the bench, it means that Sam Prendergast once again misses out on the 23.

Up front, Tadhg Beirne moves to lock alongside James Ryan, which allows Jack Conan to come into the loose trio where he partners Timoney and captain Caelan Doris.

Tadhg Furlong is the only player to retain his place in the front-row as Kelleher and O’Toole are handed opportunities from the start.

On the bench, Farrell has continued with the 5-3 split as Stewart, Michael Milne, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy and Van der Flier cover the forwards, while Doak, Tom Farrell and Frawley are the backline replacements.

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“We have two special milestones in the squad this week at opposite ends of the scrum-half spectrum. I would firstly like to congratulate Nathan on his first international selection,” Ireland’s head coach said.

“Nathan has been around a few Ireland camps in recent years and has impressed with the consistency and quality of his play in training and with Ulster over a longer period.

“I know how much this means to Nathan and we are determined to make this a special few days for him and his family. Also, Jamison becomes the 61st Irish international to reach the 50-cap mark which is an incredible achievement for a top-class professional.

“I have no doubt that both players are excited to get out in front of a packed Aviva Stadium on Friday night.”

Ireland team to take on Wales

Ireland: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Jack Conan, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Tom O’Toole
Replacements: 16 Tom Stewart, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Joe McCarthy, 20 Josh van der Flier, 21 Nathan Doak, 22 Tom Farrell, 23 Ciaran Frawley

Date: Friday, March 6
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (GRU), Damian Schneider (UAR)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (RFU)
FPRO: Tual Trainini (FFR)

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