Ireland's team to play Wales in the third game of the Six Nations has been released today. Ciarán Frawley replaces the injured Hugo Keenan at fullback. The 26-year-old Leinster player, who can also play at flyhalf, is joined alongside the likes of Calvin Nash and James Lowe in a back three. Andy Farrell has made six other changes to the side that beat Italy 36-0 in Dublin two weeks ago.
Jack Crowley keeps his place as Ireland's 10. He starts with Jamison Gibson-Park at scrumhalf. Completing the backline is a combination of Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki in midfield.
In the front pack, Tadhg Furlong has overcome a minor calf injury and is joined by Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter in the front row. Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy start in the second row. The side is completed by Ireland captain Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, and Caelan Doris, who was a suspected doubt this week in the backrow.
Our team to face Wales in Dublin! 🟢#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 22, 2024
The Ireland coaching team has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, as Rónan Kelleher, Cian Healy, the uncapped Oli Jager, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, and Jack Conan provide the reinforcements in the pack. Backs Conor Murray and Stuart McCloskey complete Ireland’s Match Day 23 for the visit of Wales.
Speaking earlier this week, Welsh lock Adam Beard said, “You see the way Ireland play their rugby. It is all about speed, winning collisions and breakdowns.
“Defensively, we have to match up with that physical battle, and in attack, it’s about being clinical and physical. It will be a tough game, but one we are looking forward to.Ireland are a team that are playing with confidence, and it helps when a lot of them play club rugby together. We are excited to get stuck into them.”
Saturday’s match is live on RTÉ2 and ITV.
Ireland team to play Wales:
Backs
Ciarán Frawley (Fullback)
Calvin Nash (Wing) James Lowe (Wing)
Robbie Henshaw (Centre) Bundee Aki (Centre)
Jack Crowley (Flyhalf) Jamison Gibson-Park (Scrumhalf)
Forwards:
Andrew Porter (Prop) Dan Sheehan (Hooker) Tadhg Furlong (Prop)
Joe McCarthy (Lock) Tadhg Beirne (Lock)
Peter O'Mahony (Captain, Flanker) Josh van der Flier (Flanker) Caelan Doris (Flanker)
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher (Hooker) Cian Healy (Prop), Oli Jager (Prop), James Ryan (Lock), Ryan Baird (Lock), and Jack Conan (Back Row), Conor Murray (Scrumhalf) and Stuart McCloskey (Utility back)
