PREVIEW | Ireland vs Wales to open up the 2022 Six Nations

Andy Farrell’s side will look to get the best possible start against and weakened Welsh side.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ireland, the Welsh side will be missing a whopping 739 caps worth of players. The biggest contributors to this tally is the absence of Alun Wyn Jones and Ken Owens. Both stricken with serious injuries, it will be hard to imagine a Welsh side without their leaders as we have seen them make Wales tick for years.

Wales aren’t without quality with the likes of Jonathon Davies, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Bigger and Josh Adams around. These players in particular have destroyed teams for their clubs and their country.

Only two Munster players are featured in the match day fifteen. Tadgh Beirne starts in the second row beside James Ryan. His performances in Munster red have been outstanding, Beirne’s ability to disrupt the breakdown will be valuable against the powerful Welsh pack.

Andrew Conway also will be representing the red province. His ability to run with the ball is second to none and his presence in the air may be a huge factor throughout the game.

Farrell appears to be showing trust in his younger players, Mack Hansen finds himself starting on the wing. The Australian born winger has been lighting up the pitch with Connacht.

Ireland will be the healthier side on the day as Irish Rugby released a statement regarding the full panel’s health and it’s all good news. This is what they had to say

“Keith Earls, Josh van der Flier and Joey Carbery have trained fully. Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan and Iain Henderson, whose respective loads have been managed to this point, are set to train tomorrow.”

Ireland will look to rectify the loss they suffered at the hands of the Welsh in the tournament last season. Having the injured players coming back will be a real boost for everyone in the team.

All that is left now is for the boys in green to get the job done on Saturday.

Here is how the Irish team will line up this weekend !