Ireland team: Caelan Doris’ captaincy replacement named as Simon Easterby makes several bold calls for Wales clash

Dan Sheehan will lead Ireland in the absence of Caelan Doris after Ireland selected their side to take on Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday.

The hooker takes on the extra responsibility after the number eight was ruled out of their encounter in Cardiff this weekend.

Sheehan starts in a team which sees several changes from the side that defeated Scotland at Murrayfield almost two weeks ago.

A couple of those are in the front-row, including the hooker himself, who comes in for the injured Ronan Kelleher, and he is alongside props Thomas Clarkson and Andrew Porter. Tighthead Finlay Bealham, who was superb against the Scots, has interestingly dropped down to the bench with Clarkson in the XV.

At lock, Joe McCarthy returns after missing the opening two rounds and he partners Tadhg Beirne, with stalwart James Ryan joining Bealham among the Ireland replacements.

Doris’ replacement at number eight

That means Peter O’Mahony retain his place as he combines with Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan – in for Doris at number eight – in the back-row.

The half-backs remain the same, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast once again linking up, but there is plenty of change in the outside backs.

Youngster Jamie Osborne gets an opportunity at full-back as Hugo Keenan drops out of the 23 and he is alongside Mack Hansen and James Lowe. Hansen comes straight back in for the very unfortunate Calvin Nash after withdrawing from the Scotland clash.

In the midfield, Easterby has once again rotated with Bundee Aki this time on the bench as Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw start the Six Nations game.

Aki joins Jack Crowley and Conor Murray as the backline replacements, while up front Jack Boyle could make his debut if he comes on. Gus McCarthy and Cian Prendergast are the other players covering the forwards.

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“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,” the interim head coach said.

“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.”

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Ireland team to face Wales

Ireland: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Mack Hansen, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Dan Sheehan (c), 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Gus McCarthy, 17 Jack Boyle, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Cian Prendergast, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Bundee Aki

Date: Saturday, February 22
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 14:15 GMT
Referee: Christophe Ridley (England)
Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)

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