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Frawley starts as Farrell makes 7 changes to Ireland team for Wales
By Ian Cameron
Ciaran Frawley is set to start at fullback in the absence of injured Hugo Keenan as head coach Andy Farrell makes seven changes to his team to play Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
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With Keenan unavailable due to a knee issue sustained against Italy, Farrell picks Frawley at the back, where he joins Calvin Nash and James Lowe in the back three for his first Test start. Bundee Aki reenters the starting XV alongside Robbie Henshaw in midfield, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley are chosen as scrum-half and out-half, respectively.
Captain Peter O’Mahony returns at blindside where he will make his 50th appearance in the Six Nations. There is no return for centre Garry Ringrose, who contining his return to fitness.
Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong form the front row, with Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne in the second for Ireland. Captain O’Mahony leads from the back row, flanked by Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris. A 6-2 bench split includes Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Oli Jager, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, and Jack Conan. Conor Murray and Stuart McCloskey are the backs reserves for Wales’ visit.
IRELAND TEAM:
15. Ciaran Frawley
14. Calvin Nash
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. James Lowe
10. Jack Crowley
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Joe McCarthy
5. Tadhg Beirne
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Ronan Kelleher
17. Cian Healy
18. Oli Jager
19. James Ryan
20. Ryan Baird
21. Jack Conan
22. Conor Murray
23. Stuart McCloskey
Mccloskey on the bench is interesting. I guess Aki and Henderson cover both centres but who covers the back 3? I suppose Henderson does that again, or perhaps Murray on the wing or at 10?
Henderson is out of the 23 and typically only covers lock and blindside flanker.
Henshaw can play 15, but I don’t think he’s ever played on the wing before!