Wales remain unchanged for Irish visit to Cardiff

Wales manager Warren Gutland has stuck with the same fifteen who overcame France for the challenge of the tournament's only remaining unbeaten team this weekend.

Captain Sam Warburton was the main injury concern coming into the game against Ireland having suffered a knock to his knee in that encounter in Paris two weeks ago.

Nonetheless he has recovered in time to lead out his nation for a record 34th time, surpassing the former record held by Ryan Jones.

While the starting fifteen remains unchanged there are two injury-forced switches on the bench with uncapped Rob Evans and his Scarlets teammate Jake Ball coming in for Paul James and Bradley Davies respectively.

Head coach Warren Gatland says that his team will look to return to the Millennium Stadium buoyed by two consecutive wins on the road.

“We saw an improvement against Scotland and then saw another step up against France and we know we will need to do the same against Ireland on Saturday,” he said.

“Ireland are the form team in Europe and we know it is going to be a huge battle.

“The changes on the bench mean Rob Evans gets an opportunity. We have been impressed with him for his region and at training. Our strength in depth in the second-row is highlighted again as Jake comes back into the squad.

“Saturday is also a fantastic achievement and honour for Sam. He has developed into the role fantastically and is a modern day professional. He is a role model that will continue to get better.”

WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Gethin Jenkins, Scott Baldwin, Samson Lee; Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones; Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Rob Evans, Aaron Jarvis, Jake Ball, Justin Tipuric, Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams.