Dan Sheehan will skipper Ireland against Wales in the round 3 of the Six Nations on Saturday in the absence of regular captain Caelan Doris.
Doris (knee), hooker Ronan Kelleher (neck) and prop Tadhg Furlong (calf) have been sidelined for the clash in Cardiff. Furlong is yet to appear in this edition of the Six Nations. He also missed the November Tests because of a torn hamstring.
Ireland are the only unbeaten team in the tournament after victories over Scotland (32-18) and England (27-22). Interim head coach Simon Easterby named hooker Sheehan as captain, with Jack Conan replacing Doris at No 8.
“Playing Wales in Cardiff is one of the great tests and we know the challenge that awaits us,” said Easterby.
“With a new coaching set-up in place, Wales will be re-energised and determined to impress in front of a vocal home support.
“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.
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“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.”
Easterby added: “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.”
Jamison Gibson-Park links up with Sam Prendergast at halfback, with Bundee Aki named on the bench as Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw combine in midfield. In the back three, Jamie Osborne is at full-back, with James Lowe and Mack Hanson on the wings.
Conan is joined by Josh van der Flier and Peter O’Mahony in the back row, Tadgh Beirne and Joe McCarthy are named at lock, while Thomas Clarkson – in his first start – and Andrew Porter prop up Sheehan.
The bench features five forwards in Gus McCarthy, the uncapped Jack Boyle, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan and Cian Prendergast, while Aki is joined by veteran scrumhalf Conor Murray and Jack Crowley.
Six Nations round 3 fixtures:
Saturday
Wales vs Ireland, Cardiff, 4:15pm
England vs Scotland, London, 6:45pm
Sunday
Italy vs France, Rome, 5pm
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