How Ireland could line up against Wales

February 02, 2022
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Ultimate Rugby

Ireland kick off their Six Nations campaign at a sold-out Aviva Stadium on Saturday against the defending Champions, Wales.

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has had a large chunk of his squad ruled out for the first game of the tournament, conversely, Andy Farrell has a near fully fit side ready to battle the Welsh.

After a standout Autumn Nations Series, James Lowe, unfortunately, missed out on selection due to injury while the remaining injury concerns return to full training this week.

Keith Earls (strain), Josh van der Flier (strain) and Joey Carbery (elbow) all trained fully since arriving in Portugal. Meanwhile, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan and Iain Henderson returned to full training on Tuesday after their loads were managed before arriving in Portugal.

Unlike most of the other Six Nations coaches, Farrell can pick a nearly identical 23 from their biggest game during the November internationals.

With Furlong returning to full fitness, he is bound to take the starting tighthead role with fellow Leinster front-rowers Andrew Porter and Ronan Kelleher joining him in the pack.

There was some doubt around second rowers James Ryan and Iain Henderson but the pair now fit for the opening weekend. Tadgh Beirne has been in excellent form and considering that Henderson hasn't played since mid-December, Beirne could start ahead of the Ulsterman.

In the back row, Caelon Doris, Josh van der Flier, and Jack Conan are the form pick with Peter O'Mahony set to cover the trio from the bench.

If Ireland are to persist with their high tempo attack that dismantled the All Blacks in November, then Jamison Gibson-Park will retain the starting scrumhalf role. Otherwise, it is possible that Conor Murray will link up with captain Jonathan Sexton once again.

Farrell has the luxury of picking between Jack Carty and Joey Carbery to back up captain Sexton on the bench, we predict that it will be the latter.

Farrell will have to rethink his midfield combination with the return of Robbie Henshaw which could lead to Bundee Aki or Garry Ringrose losing their place in the starting side. Aki has been in excellent form but we are predicting that Ringrose will edge him out for a spot in the side. Not too many teams could afford to exclude a quality player such as Bundee Aki, or ignore a form youngster like James Hume.

Robert Baloucoune shone in Ireland's last test match on the right-wing against Argentina but the performances of Andrew Conway beforehand provides a healthy headache for Farrell. There is no lack of options out wide for Farrell with Jordan Larmour, Mack Hansen, Keith Earls, and Michael Lowry in the squad.

We are taking a punt that Lowry will earn a test debut against Wales on the wing with Hugo Keenan retaining the starting 15 jumper.

How we think Ireland will lineup against Wales:

1. Andrew Porter

2. Ronan Kelleher

3. Tadgh Furlong

4. James Ryan

5. Tadgh Beirne

6. Caelon Doris

7. Josh van der Flier

8. Jack Conan

9. Jamison Gibson-Park

10. Jonathan Sexton (c)