The leaked Ireland team to face Wales in Six Nations opener is full of surprises

Simon Zebo at full back.

A back row of CJ Stander, Tommy O'Donnell and Jamie Heaslip. Jack McGrath and Nathan White as props. The official Ireland team announcement doesn't take place until 1pm on Friday, but a number of rumours are doing the rounds that Joe Schmidt is ready to spring a surprise or half a dozen on the Welsh visitors. Sadly for Schmidt these are enforced chances as Leinster duo Rob Kearney and Sean O'Brien look set to miss out through injury. That opens the door for Zebo at 15 while Tommy O'Donnell will start at openside, while South African CJ Stander will make his debut for Ireland at blindside. The Irish begin the defence of their crown and the search for a historic three-in-row with the opening clash against Wales at the Aviva on Sunday. With some notable injuries and doubts hanging over key personnel in the squad, the 15 to line out from the start is yet to be confirmed, but the leaked team is looking far more patched together than anyone would want for a game of such importance.