O’Connell returns as captain

Ireland will be led out against Wales in Dublin on Saturday by returning veteran Paul O’Connell.

O'Connell is one of two changes to the team, with Leinster centre Gordon D'Arcy returning in place of Luke Marshall.

D'Arcy will partner Brian O'Driscoll in the Irish midfield for the 53rd time, with Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton pairing up again at No 9 and 10 respectively.

Ireland – 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (c), 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Subs: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Martin Moore, 19 Dan Tuohy, 20 Tommy O'Donnell, 21 Isaac Boss, 22 Paddy Jackson, 23 Fergus McFadden.

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