Warren Gatland has welcomed back two of his star names for Wales’ Six Nations opener against Ireland, in Dublin.
The Kiwi is able to call on captain Sam Warburton, who has yet to play for his Cardiff Blues team this year. Also back in the team is Gareth Anscombe, at full-back.
Warburton starts at blindside to accommodate the bang in-form Justin Tipuric at openside. Toby Faletau completes a fearsome back row that will be targeting both Johnny Sexton and the breakdown.
Jonathan Davies resumes his midfield partnership with Jamie Roberts after a spell on the international sidelines while Samson Lee starts at tighthead.
Team to face @IrishRugby @rbs_6_nations
Starts for @Revsprop1 Tipuric @TomJ_11 and @Gareth_Anscombe pic.twitter.com/JFau6xFZMa— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 3, 2016
Wales and Ireland have shared two Test victories apiece in the past two years.
Ireland took the most recent of the Dublin Six Nations fixtures, in 2014, by aerially bombarding and mauling Wales to within an inch of their life. However, with the Irish pack missing the likes of Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson and [the retired] Paul O’Connell, Sunday’s clash is expected to be a much closer affair.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will not name his team until lunchtime on Friday.
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