Wales keep their winning formula

 

The side that beat France 20-13 is retained with loosehead prop Rob Evans and lock Jake Ball coming in for Paul James and Bradley Davies respectively.

 

Sam Warburton will surpass Ryan Jones’ record when he captains Wales for a 34th time and needs to lead his side to victory to keep title hopes alive against Grand Slam-chasing Ireland.

 

“We return to the Millennium Stadium after two tough away trips with two victories and will be looking to build on that,” said Gatland.

 

“We saw an improvement against Scotland and then saw another step up against France and we know we will need to do the same against Ireland on Saturday.

 

“Ireland are the form team in Europe and we know it is going to be a huge battle.

 

“The changes on the bench mean Rob Evans gets an opportunity.

 

"We have been impressed with him for his region and at training. Our strength in depth in the second row is highlighted again as Jake comes back into the squad.

 

“Saturday is also a fantastic achievement and honour for Sam.

 

"He has developed into the role fantastically and is a modern day professional. He is a role model that will continue to get better.”

 

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Rob Evans, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Scott Williams.

 

Date: Saturday, March 14

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Kick-off: 14.30 (14.30 GMT)

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

Assistant referees: Chris Pollock (New Zealand) , Federico Anselmi (Argentina)

TMO: Graham Hughes (England)