The Albany Gazette - Farrell makes changes for Wales game, Gibson-Park set for 50th Ireland cap

The team will be led out at Lansdowne Road by Jamison Gibson-Park, on the occasion of his 50th cap.

Gibson-Park, man of the match in the 42-21 win over England at Twickenham, will have as his understudy for the Wales game someone just starting out in their Test career, Nathan Doak, who is set to win his first cap.

Doak, who comes in the expense of long-time number two Craig Casey, will at least have some familiar faces around him as three of the five changes in the starting line-up are Ulster teammates.

Nick Timoney is rewarded for impressive performances as a replacement with his first Six Nations start in the backrow.

Timoney gets his opportunity with Josh van der Flier dropping down to the replacements bench.

Ulster wing Jacob Stockdale gets another chance, after being omitted following the opening defeat by France, as he replaces the injured James Lowe.

The third of the Ulster trio drafted in is prop Tom O'Toole, who replaces Jeremy Loughman, who has a calf injury.

The other two personnel changes are hooker Ronan Kelleher, who comes in for Leinster teammate Dan Sheehan, and Jack Conan is selected in the backrow alongside captain Caelan Doris and Timoney.

As a result Tadhg Beirne moves from the backrow to partner James Ryan at lock while Joe McCarthy drops to the bench.

Farrell, whose side still entertain outside hopes of the title although France can seal the championship this weekend if they gain a bonus point win over Scotland, paid tribute to Gibson-Park and Doak.

"We have two special milestones in the squad this week at opposite ends of the scrum-half spectrum," Farrell said in an Irish Rugby statement.

"I would firstly like to congratulate Nathan on his first international selection.

"Nathan has been around a few Ireland camps in recent years and has impressed with the consistency and quality of his play in training and with Ulster over a longer period.

"Also, Jamison becomes the 61st Irish international to reach the 50-cap mark, which is an incredible achievement for a top-class professional."

Wales will start as huge underdogs to end their 14-match Six Nations losing streak, but their morale has been bolstered by going close to beating Scotland in their previous match.

Team (15-1)

Jamie Osborne; Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris (capt), Nick Timoney, Jack Conan; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, Tom O'Toole

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Michael Milne, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, Nathan Doak, Tom Farrell, Ciaran Frawley

Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)

(K.Jones--TAG)