SportsJOE’s Ireland XV to put Wales to the sword in the Six Nations

Ireland are heavy favourites to keep the Grand Slam quest going against the Welsh

It's the home side's first game under interim head coach Matt Sherratt, following the sudden departure of Warren Gatland last week.

Despite being in the midst of a 14-game losing streak, their is a glimmer of hope for Wales, with Ireland captain Caelan Doris, Rónan Kelleher, and Tadhg Furlong all unavailable.

Front row

Furlong remains sidelined, but after Finlay Bealham's starring role against the Scots, this has become much less concerning news.

With Kelleher out, Dan Sheehan will start, with Leinster's third-choice hooker Gus McCarthy coming in on the bench.

While Cian Healy is expected to be on the subs bench, Jack Boyle did everything he could to put his hand up with a dominant set-piece and ball-carrying performance in Leinster's win away to the Osprey's on Friday.

Lock

The form of James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne has been key to Ireland's success in this year's Championship, so they remain.

With Joe McCarthy expected to be fit, he comes on to the bench, further strengthening Ireland's 'bomb squad'.

Back row

Jack Conan has been Ireland's most impactful sub over the first two rounds, which significantly softens the blow of losing Doris.

The blindside jersey has been up for grabs recently, but with the captain out, Peter O'Mahony will take on that mantle.

Ryan Baird will more than likely be on the bench, and it will be a deserved selection, but with Gavin Coombes called up to the squad we can still dream.

Half back

No injuries and no need for change here.

Sam Prendergast quietened many of the calls to start Crowley with his player-of-the-match performance against Scotland.

Centre

Any combination of the word class trio of Bundee Aki, Robbie Henshaw, and Garry Ringrose, works.

Ringrose has been the most consistent this year, while he also adds more pace and a superior play-making option.

Having seen Ringrose/Aki and Henshaw/Aki in the first two games, we've opted for yet another change.

Back three

The big call here is whether to bring back in the fit-again Mack Hansen, or keep Calvin Nash after a solid showing two weeks ago.

SportsJOE's Ireland 23 vs Scotland:

1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. James Ryan
5. Tadhg Beirne
6. Peter O'Mahony (capt.)
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Sam Prendergast
11. James Lowe
12. Robbie Henshaw
13. Garry Ringrose
14. Calvin Nash
15. Hugo Keenan

Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Tom Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, Gavin Coombes, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Bundee Aki.