Ireland: Starting XV

SIX NATIONS:Before today's clash, JOHN O'SULLIVANcompares the two sides and looks at how the players have fared this season

15 ROB KEARNEY (Leinster)

Age: 22

Height: 6ft 1in

Weight: 14st 2lbs (90kgs)

Caps: 15

At kick-off time he’ll look down at the other end of the pitch and see his main rival for a starting slot with the Lions. Composure will be a key. It’s about discharging his basic duties and being decisive when on the ball, irrespective of what option he chooses.

14 TOMMY BOWE

(Ospreys)

Age: 25

Height: 6ft 3in

Weight: 15st 2lbs (96kgs)

Caps: 22

Has been one of Ireland’s best players in the Six Nations both in an attacking and defensive capacity. Must not be caught on his heels when policing Shane Williams and Ireland might look to exploit his height advantage in that match-up.

13 BRIAN O’DRISCOLL (Leinster, capt)

Age: 30

Height: 5ft 9in

Weight: 15st (95kgs)

Caps: 92

He’s bang in form. Irish supporters would like to see him reintroduce those last-second cuts against the grain of the opposing defence; not laterally but more a question of picking soft shoulders. A colossus defensively, Ireland will need him to be at his best to win.

12 GORDON D’ARCY (Leinster)

Age: 29

Height: 5ft 11in

Weight: 14st 2lbs (90kgs)

Caps: 40

Has shown tremendous dedication and character to recover from an horrific arm injury. He’s playing his way back to form and there was no short-cut. Now it is time for him to trust his instincts. That’s what makes him a standout player.

11 LUKE FITZGERALD (Leinster)

Age: 21

Height: 6ft 1in

Weight: 14st 7lbs (92kgs)

Caps: 11

There’s an argument that his wonderful balance and ability to sidestep without slowing has yet to be exploited. He should be getting more of the ball; he’s certainly gone looking for it. Can break the first line and, like Bowe, he warrants trail runners when in possession.

10 RONAN O’GARA (Munster)

Age: 32

Height: 6ft

Weight: 13st (83kgs)

Caps: 91

Hasn’t been at his best during the Six Nations but has shown great character and an unshakeable big match temperament to never shirk his responsibilities.

Must not play in the pocket, kicking aside, because it stifles the Irish back-play. A key figure.

9 TOMÁS O’LEARY (Munster)

Age: 25

Height: 5ft 11in

Weight: 13st 5lbs (85kgs)

Caps: 7

The young scrumhalf has learned and improved from every outing, a cherished quality in any sportsperson.

Occasionally needs to be a little quicker in his distribution, especially when Ireland opt to go wide.

1 MARCUS HORAN (Munster)

Age: 31

Height: 6ft 1in

Weight: 16st 7lbs (105kgs)

Caps: 65

The devil is in the detail and today’s victory will be decided by small margins. The Irish scrum has performed capably, apart from a couple of set-pieces in Scotland, but will need to be foot perfect in Cardiff. Horan’s primary duty of care will be in the trenches.

2 JERRY FLANNERY (Munster)

Age: 30

Height: 5ft 11in

Weight: 16st (102kgs)

Caps: 30

Typically willing ball carrier with a huge heart and lungs, but needs closer support from his team-mates. Under the ELVs isolated players tend to fall foul of referees very quickly and turnovers could be key to outcome. Throwing has been good.

3 JOHN HAYES (Munster)

Age: 35

Height: 6ft 4in

Weight: 19st 9lbs (125kgs)

Caps: 93

Brings an integrity of application to every appearance. Gets through so much work and is hugely valued by team-mates. A one-man hoist, an impenetrable wall at the fringe of rucks and occasionally a ball carrier. Prefer not to see him defending in midfield.

4 DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN (Munster)

Age: 29

Height: 6ft 6in

Weight: 17st 4lbs (110kgs)

Caps: 54

If there was a list of basic duties that a forward had to fulfil in every single Test match then the Corkman would tick every single box. He subsumes his own instincts for the greater good of the team and it’s harder to think of a greater compliment for the ultimate team player.

5 PAUL O’CONNELL (Munster)

Age: 29

Height: 6ft 6in

Weight: 17st 7lbs (111kgs)

Caps: 61

Has been a consistent beacon of excellence during the Six Nations Championship. Not alone has he ruled the air, but he has carried ball ad nauseam in every single match. A talisman to whom Ireland will look once again if they are to prevail.

6 STEPHEN FERRIS (Ulster)

Age: 23

Height: 6ft 4in

Weight: 17st 2lbs (109kgs)

Caps: 12

One of Ireland’s best players throughout the tournament. Tackles with a thumping ferocity and is no less abrasive when he is the one with the ball. One of the few forwards to look for offloads in contact as Luke Fitzgerald will attest to.

7 DAVID WALLACE (Munster)

Age: 32

Height: 6ft 2in

Weight: 16st 2lbs (103kgs)

Caps: 54

A key player for Ireland, especially if the visitors can work him into some space. Brilliant ball carrier, excellent defender and possesses an intelligence to make good decisions under pressure. If he gets regular front foot ball then Ireland will win.

8 JAMIE HEASLIP (Leinster)

Age: 25

Height: 6ft 4in

Weight: 17st 1lbs (109kgs)

Caps: 17

Superb campaign. Brings an athletic presence and appreciation of space and angles. Is happy to use a key rather than try and repeatedly knock the door off its hinges. Another Ireland forward who is equally adept close in or running with the backs.