Hansen to make Ireland debut against Wales

Australian born wing Mack Hansen will make his Ireland debut in their opening Six Nations match against defending champions Wales on Saturday.

Andy Farrell has selected Hansen on the left flank in place of James Lowe, who is injured. Andrew Conway is on the right with Hugo Keenan at fullback starting his 17th consecutive test match.

Johnny Sexton captain’s the team on his 102nd cap for Ireland and his 53rd appearance in the Six Nations championship.

Sexton is joined at half-back by Jamison Gibson Park while Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose link up in the centre for a fifteenth time for Ireland.

In the pack the front row features Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong with Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan locking down the second row. Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan are named in the backrow.

The replacements are Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery and James Hume.

Ireland

15. Hugo Keenan
16. Andrew Conway
17. Garry Ringrose
18. Bundee Aki
19. Mack Hansen
20. Johnny Sexton (C)
21. Jamison Gibson Park

1. Andrew Porter
2. Ronan Kelleher
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. James Ryan
6. Caelan Doris
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Jack Conan

Replacements

16. Dan Sheehan
17. Cian Healy
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Ryan Baird
20. Peter O’Mahony
21. Conor Murray
22. Joey Carbery
23. James Hume

Ireland v Wales

Guinness Six Nations 2022

Round 1

Aviva Stadium

Saturday February 5^th

Kick-off: 2:15pm