Stander to be given his debut as Joe Schmidt names side for Welsh clash
Joe Schmidt has named his Irish side to face Wales this weekend as the Boys in Green gear up for the defence of their Six Nations title against familiar foes in the Aviva on Sunday.
With late injuries to Sean O'Brien and Rob Kearney forcing the Kiwi coach's hand, Schmidt has given a debut to CJ Stander and has chosen Simon Zebo at full-back for the visit of the Welsh.
Andrew Trimble, who missed last year's Six Nations after being named Player of the Tournament in 2014, is back in the side, while Keith Earls is named on the other wing. Last year's centre partnership of Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne are also reunited, while there is a new look front row of Jack Mc Grath, Rory Best and Nathan White named.
Mike Mc Carthy is the man to replace the retired Paul O'Connell in the second row following the injury to Iain Henderson, while Newbridge man Jamie Heaslip is joined in the back row by CJ Stander and Tommy O'Donnell.
Kick-off is at 3pm on Sunday.
Ireland team to face Wales:
15. Simon Zebo 14. Andrew Trimble 13. Jared Payne 12. Robbie Henshaw 11. Keith Earls 10. Jonathan Sexton 9. Conor Murray
1. Jack McGrath 2. Rory Best 3. Nathan White 4. Devin Toner 5. Mike McCarthy 6. CJ Stander 7. Tommy O’Donnell 8. Jamie Heaslip
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin 17. James Cronin 18. Tadhg Furlong 19. Donnacha Ryan 20. Rhys Ruddock 21. Kieran Marmion 22. Ian Madigan 23. Dave Kearney