Ireland will face Wales in the Six Nations on Friday evening, needing a convincing victory in order to keep their slim hopes of winning this year’s championship alive.

A bonus point win will be a must if Andy Farrell’s side are to maintain hopes of overtaking France this season, with a slip-up or two also needed from Fabien Galthie’s side over the next ten days.

The Ireland head coach is likely to retain faith with many of the players who secured a famous win at Twickenham last time out, although a few changes could be in the offing after some additions to the squad.

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Ireland team news for Wales clash
When will Andy Farrell name the Ireland team for Wales clash?

The Ireland team for Friday’s game against Wales on Wednesday afternoon at 2pm.

 

Ireland team news for Wales clash

Reports from Gerry Thornley in the Irish Times and Murray Kinsella in The 42 on Tuesday evening suggest Farrell will make a number of changes to his starting team for Friday night.

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Nick Timoney is expected to be rewarded for his fine form with a start. Rónan Kelleher looks likely to start at hooker while Jacob Stockdale could be set to make his first appearance for Ireland since the France game in the opening round in place of James Lowe.

Jack Conan could also start, having overcome the illness that forced him to miss the England game, while Tom O’Toole has been tipped to start in place of Jeremy Loughman. We could see a number of Ulster players on the bench as well, with Tom Stewart and Nathan Doak rumoured to be in contention to make the 23.

James Lowe has been ruled out for the remainder of the Six Nations due to the injury he picked up against England, meaning he will be unavailable against Wales.

Harry Byrne is also unavailable after picking up a concussion on Leinster duty over the weekend, with Cormac Izuchukwu continuing his return to play protocol this week.

Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, and Jimmy O’Brien have returned to squad and will be considered for immediate inclusion in the matchday 23.

 

Wales team news

Wales will be without their starting out-half for the game in Dublin, with Sam Costelow ruled out due to an ankle injury. Dan Edwards is likely to start in his place.

They will be without at least one other member of the starting XV from the loss against Scotland, with flanker Taine Plumtree also unavailable.

 

Where to watch Ireland vs Wales?

Ireland vs Wales will kick off at 8.10pm on Friday evening, with the game being broadcast live on RTÉ 2. Coverage will get underway at 7pm.

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