Ireland is set to face Wales in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations on Saturday, with Dan Sheehan captaining a side that features seven changes from their victory over Scotland. The match, taking place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, will see Sheehan step up in the absence of regular captain Caelan Doris, who is sidelined due to a knee injury.
Sheehan, 26, has been a crucial figure for Ireland, making an impact off the bench in their wins against England and Scotland. He now steps into a leadership role while also replacing the injured Ronan Kelleher in the starting lineup. Joining him in the front row is Leinster’s Thomas Clarkson, who earns his first Test start, while loose-head prop Jack Boyle is set to make his international debut off the bench.
The back row sees another major change, with Jack Conan stepping in at number eight in place of Doris. Joe McCarthy also returns to the second row after missing the first two rounds due to a head injury.
In the backline, Mack Hansen returns to the wing after sitting out the Scotland match, while Garry Ringrose partners with Robbie Henshaw in midfield. Bundee Aki moves to the bench. Jamie Osborne will make his Six Nations debut at full-back, replacing Hugo Keenan, while young fly-half Sam Prendergast retains his place after an impressive display against Scotland.
Gus McCarthy and Cian Prendergast, Sam’s brother, are also in line for their Six Nations debuts off the bench.
Starting XV: Osborne; Hansen, Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe; S Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan (capt), Clarkson; McCarthy, Beirne; O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Conan.
Replacements: McCarthy, Boyle, Bealham, Ryan, C Prendergast, Murray, Crowley, Aki.
Ireland is in prime position to secure the Triple Crown and strengthen their push for a Grand Slam and a third consecutive Six Nations title. Meanwhile, Wales, under the new guidance of interim head coach Matt Sherratt, are searching for a much-needed turnaround after a 14-match losing streak.
Ireland’s interim head coach Simon Easterby acknowledges the challenge of facing Wales in Cardiff, especially with a fresh coaching setup injecting new energy into the Welsh squad.
“Playing Wales in Cardiff is one of the great tests and we know the challenge that awaits us,” Easterby said. “With a new coaching set-up in place, Wales will be re-energised and determined to impress in front of a vocal home support.”
Being named Ireland’s 111th men’s Test captain is a significant milestone for Sheehan, who has battled back from an ACL injury sustained in last summer’s South Africa series. His leadership role comes after he captained Leinster against the Stormers in January and made a strong impact off the bench in Ireland’s recent Six Nations victories.
Easterby praised Sheehan’s influence within the squad, stating, “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.”
The match promises to be a high-stakes battle, with Ireland looking to maintain their dominance in the tournament while Wales aims to break their losing streak in front of a passionate home crowd.
