Wales make one change to their line-up as they chase their first win of this year’s Six Nations
SAM Costelow returns at fly half in the only change for Wales’ clash against Ireland on Saturday (2.15pm).
Wales are looking for their first victory of this season’s Guinness Six Nations, following encouraging performances against Scotland and England.
The Aviva Stadium represents the toughest fixture for Warren Gatland’s inexperienced side, facing an Ireland team that hopes to continue their march towards a Grand Slam.
Gatland said: “We are excited to go out to Dublin and test ourselves against one of the leading sides in world rugby. It’s a challenge we are relishing.”
Scarlets number 10 Costelow started the opening round against Scotland, but was forced off with a neck injury.
After his substitution, Ioan Lloyd helped lead a stirring fightback, falling just one point short.
Mackenzie Martin will make his Wales debut if he comes off the bench on Saturday, becoming the 1,200th men’s international.
Tight-head prop Dillon Lewis will also make his Six Nations debut if he comes on at any point.
Gatland said: “We’ve made steps in the last couple of games and now it’s about building on that, learning from those experienced and taking that into this weekend.”
Wales: Winnett; Adams, North, Tompkins, Dyer; Costelow, Tomos Williams; G Thomas, Dee, Assiratti, Jenkins (c), Beard, Mann, Reffell, Wainwright.
Replacements: Elias, Domachoswki, D Lewis, Rowlands, M Martin, Hardy, I Lloyd, Grady.
