Dan Sheehan to Captain Ireland Against Wales
Dublin, Ireland – Dan Sheehan has been named Ireland captain for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against Wales in Cardiff, following an injury to regular skipper Caelan Doris.
Interim head coach Simon Easterby has made several changes to the XV that started the previous match, a 32-18 victory in Scotland, due to injuries and suspensions.
Sheehan, a 26-year-old hooker, will earn his 30th cap in Cardiff, this time as captain, a first for him. He replaces Doris, who is out with a knee injury.
Other absentees for Ireland include Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, and Ronan Kelleher, who is replaced by Sheehan.
Leinster teammate Thomas Clarkson starts for the first time in the Irish pack, while Joe McCarthy returns from injury to partner Tadgh Beirne in the second row.
Jamie Osborne, 23, makes his Six Nations debut at fullback, replacing the suspended Hugo Keenan. The half-back pairing of Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park remains unchanged.
Ireland, the two-time defending champions, are in contention for the Grand Slam after winning their opening two matches against England (27-22) and Scotland (32-18).
Wales, conversely, are in crisis, having suffered a 14th consecutive defeat, 22-15 away to Italy on February 8, which led to the resignation of head coach Warren Gatland.
Ireland team to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday:
- Osborne
- Hansen
- Ringrose
- Henshaw
- Lowe
- S. Prendergast
- Gibson-Park
- van der Flier
- Conan
- OMahony
- Beirne
- J. McCarthy
- Clarkson
- Sheehan (capt.)
- Porter
Replacements:
- G. McCarthy
- Boyle
- Bealham
- Ryan
- C. Prendergast
- Murray
- Crowley
- Aki
Interim head coach: Simon Easterby
