Jamie Heaslip returns for Ireland in only change for Wales clash

Ireland coach Josef Schmidt has made one change to his side for this weekend's crunch Six Nations meeting with Wales in Cardiff.

Jamie Heaslip comes back into the starting XV in place of Jordi Murphy at number eight, following his recovery from a back injury which forced him to miss the recent victory over England.

That 19-9 win at the Aviva Stadium ensures that Ireland remain on track to claim a Grand Slam should they secure maximum points from their final two games of the tournament.

Elsewhere in the side to take on Wales at the Millennium Stadium, Paul O'Connell is in line to make his 100th cap having been selected once more, while Jonny Sexton has shaken off a hamstring injury in time to feature from the off.

Ireland team to face Wales: Rob Kearney (Leinster); Tommy Bowe (Ulster), Jared Payne (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Simon Zebo (Munster); Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro), Conor Murray (Munster); Jack McGrath (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Paul O'Connell (Munster, capt), Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Sean O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster)

Replacements: Replacements: Sean Cronin (Leinster), Cian Healy (Leinster), Martin Moore (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Jordi Murphy (Leinster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Felix Jones (Munster)