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O'Connell back to lead Ireland

By Online Editors
Thursday 6 Feb 2014

Paul O'Connell has recovered from the chest infection that prevented him from lining out against Scotland and will lead Ireland against Six Nations champions Wales on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.

 

Last week's late call-up to the starting XV, Dan Touhy, resumes his place on the bench as O'Connell is the only change to the pack that started against Scotland.

 

The only other change to the side that started against the Scots sees Gordon D'Arcy replace Luke Marshall at inside centre.  

D'Arcy will partner Brian O'Driscoll in the Irish midfield for the 53rd time on Saturday with Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton named as the halfback pairing.

 

The back three that provided two of Ireland's tries against Scotland is retained with Rob Kearney at fullback and Dave Kearney and Andrew Trimble on the wings.

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (captain), 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Martin Moore, 19 Dan Tuohy, 20 Tommy O'Donnell, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Fergus McFadden.

Date: Saturday, February 8

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Kick-off: 14.30 (14.30 GMT)

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Assistant referees: Glen Jackson (New Zealand), JP Doyle (England)

TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

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