New-look Wales aim to restore pride against Ireland

Guinness Men’s Six Nations: Wales v Ireland

Venue: Principality Stadium Date: Saturday, 22 February Kick-off: 14: 15 GMT

When Wales take on Ireland in Cardiff in round three of the Men’s Six Nations, the team will attempt to end their alarming descent into rugby’s deepest doldrums.

After Wales suffered its 14th successive Test defeat in round two against Italy, Gatland stepped down as head coach.

Matt Sherratt, the head coach of Cardiff, has taken him on a temporary basis. His immediate task is to take on an Irish team that is attempting to become the first team to win three straight straight titles in the 142-year history of this championship.

With Tomos Williams at his hands for the first time in this tournament, Gareth Anscombe makes his first Six Nations start since 2019. He also makes eight other changes.

Ellis Mee, who was a part of the English Championship last year, makes his wing debut in place of Josh Adams, who is recovering from an injury.

WillGriff John, who makes his Six Nations debut at age 32, receives his first cap in three years. Nicky Smith and Elliot Dee join him in a new-look front row, while Dafyd Jenkins makes a comeback after missing Rome due to illness.

Tommy Reffell is also recalled, and Max Llewellyn makes his Six Nations debut.

Wales: 15-Murray, 14- Rogers, 13-Llewellyn, 12-B Thomas, 11-Mee, 10-Anscombe, 9-T Williams, 1-N Smith, 2-Dee, 3-John, 4-Rowlands, 5-Jenkins, 6-Morgan (capt), 7-Reffell, 8-Faletau.

In addition to Caelan Doris, who is sidelined with a knee injury, Dan Sheehan makes seven changes, making Dan Sheehan the first player.

Sheehan takes Ronan Kelleher’s injured hooker position while Jack Conan replaces Doris at eight.

First Test starts for Prop Thomas Clarkson, first Six Nations cap for Jamie Osborne, first Six Nations cap for Mack Hansen, and preferred candidate Garry Ringrose for Bundee Aki.

James Ryan, Finlay Bealham, and Bundee Aki all start on the bench while Joe McCarthy is also injured.

Jack Boyle, an uncapped Leinster prop, is the first player to make the matchday squad.

Ireland: 15-Osborne, 14-Hansen, 13-Ringrose, 12-Henshaw, 11-Lowe, 10-S Prendergast, 9-Gibson-Park, 1-Porter, 2-Sheehan (capt), 3-Clarkson, 4-J McCarthy, 5- Beirne, 6-O’Mahony, 7-Van der Flier, 8-Conan.

” Ireland are cohesive. They’re very Leinster-heavy and have been together a long time. Therefore, choosing a team that is familiar with 9-10-12-13 is crucial. I don’t think Ireland is a time to experiment. “

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby on being linked with a permanent role with Wales:” Of course there’s been speculation but that’s all there is speculation, I’m not in control of that.

“I adore working here, and I consider myself very fortunate.” For me, it’s a dream job.

” Right now this is my only focus, whatever happens in the future, in a year’s time I could lose my job and in sport it’s very fluid.

“The visitors have made a lot of their own adjustments,” according to Doris, the captain’s injury-captain.

However, the Irish squad and system are strong enough to prevent rotation of component parts from causing the entire machine to rot.

Head-to-head

Wales

Ireland