IRELAND'S TEAM TO FACE WALES AT THE Principality Stadium this coming Saturday was unveiled today by Andy Farrell
A familiar core of the side that has become so successful under Farell over the year start the game, but the likes of Tadhg Furlong doesn't make the squad.
A back three of Hugo Keenan at fullback, Mack Hansen, and James Lowe on the wings start the game.
Bundee Aki starts on the bench, while Ulster's Stuart McCloskey starts alongside Gary Ringrose in the centre.
Johnny Sexton captains the side from 10, while Jamison Gibson Park start beside him in the other half back role.
Our first line up of 2023! 🟢#TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 2, 2023
A front row of Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Finlay Bealham get the nod by Farrell
In the engine room Tadhg Bierne and James Ryan start as locks
Peter O'Mahoney, Josh van der Flier, and Caelan Doris complete the side
The match starts at 14.15pm Saturday and will be broadcast live on Virgin Media and BBC television and on RTE and BBC NI radio
Ireland team
Fullback: 15. Hugo Keenan
Winger:14. Mack Hansen
Centres: 12. Stuart McCloskey, 13. Garry Ringrose
Winger: 11. James Lowe
Outhalf: 10. Johnny Sexton Scrum half: 9. Jamison Gibson Park
Front Row: 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Finlay Bealham
Second Row: 4. Tadhg Beirne, 5. James Ryan
Back row: 6. Peter O’Mahony, 7. Josh van der Flier , 8. Caelan Doris
Replacements: 16. Rob Herring, 17. Cian Healy, 18. Tom O’Toole, 19. Iain Henderson, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Conor Murray , 22. Ross Byrne, 23. Bundee Aki
Wales
Wales announced their team earlier in the week
Leigh Halfpenny, who won 97 caps for his country was expected to start, but was ruled out on Thursday. Liam Williams replaces him and is joined in the back three with Josh Adams and Rio Dyer on the wings.
The midfield partnership of George North and Joe Hawkins start in the centre.
Dan Biggar and Tomos Williams start at 10 and 9 respectfully.
The front row consists of Gareth Thomas, Ken Owens, the captain and Tomas Francis;
Adam Beard and Alun Wyn Jones start as locks.
The final three players in the back row are Jac Morgan, Justin Tipuric and the ever-present Taulupe Faletau.
Wales:
Fullback: 15. Liam Williams
Winger: 14. Josh Adams,
Centres: 13. George North, 12. Joe Hawkins,
Winger: Rio Dyer
Out half: 10. Dan Biggar, Scrum half: 9. Tomos Williams
Front row: 1. Gareth Thomas,2. Ken Owens (capt), 3. Tomas Francis
Second Row: 4. Adam Beard, 5. Alun Wyn Jones
Back Row: 6. Jac Morgan, 7. Justin Tipuric, 8. Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Scott Baldwin, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins, Tommy Reffell, Owen Williams, Alex Cuthbert.
🏴 𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐑𝐔 𝐗𝐕 🏴
Your Welsh 23 to face @IrishRugby at @principalitysta
💪 Amdani!#WelshRugby | #GuinnessSixNations— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 31, 2023
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