There were no surprises today as Warren Gatland named an unchanged side to face Wales in Saturday’s Six Nations match in Cardiff.
With no injury worries among the starting fifteen Gatland was able to kept faith with the same team that defeated France 22-15 in Ireland’s last Six Nations outing.
A win in for Ireland in Saturday’s clash would set up a mouthwatering title showdown with England who are expected to overcome the challenge of Scotland at Twickenham this weekend.
Meanwhile, a decision will be made by tomorrow at the latest whether the Wales-Ireland game can go ahead as planned. There is a threat hanging over the fixture after the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Britain.
Starting XV:15-Girvan Dempsey; 14-Denis Hickie, 13-Brian O'Driscoll, 12-Rob Henderson, 11-Tyrone Howe; 10-Ronan O'Gara, 9-Peter Stringer; 1-Peter Clohessy, 2-Keith Wood (captain), 3-John Hayes, 4-Mick Galwey, 5-Malcolm O'Kelly, 6-Alan Quinlan, 7-David Wallace, 8-Anthony Foley.