Three weeks ago, it was expected that Ireland/Wales would be a clash between a side bereft of their Lions against another chock-full of them. That remains the case, although it is Ireland, rather than Wales, who have been decimated by injury. Warren Gatland welcomes back Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams and Dan Biggar for the trip to Lansdowne Road. The Irish team to face Wales is a study in contrast. Joe Schmidt has lost a slice of the team that defeated Italy: Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, and Robbie Henshaw are all out, compounding an injury list also featuring Jared Payne, Garry Ringrose, and Sean O'Brien.
Having impressed off the bench against Italy, Andrew Porter gets his first Six Nations start at tighthead, while Devin Toner replaces Henderson in the second row. Munster's Chris Farrell takes the 13 jersey, as expected.
Otherwise, James Ryan, CJ Stander and Cian Healy all return.
Irish team to face Wales
Here's your Ireland team to play Wales #IREvWAL #NatWest6Nations #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/2FkFgsY1Wm
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 22, 2018
