Irish team to be named after lunchtime for trip to Wales

Joe Schmidt will announce the Irish team to play Wales shortly after lunchtime today with just the one change expected from the side which defeated England.

Jamie Heaslip who missed the visit of England to the Aviva two weeks ago with three cracked vertebrae in his back, sustained in the round two game against France, is expected to refill the number eight slot.

Moving aside, Jordi Murphy is likely to drop to the bench with Munster's Tommy O'Donnell, a tryscorer in the opening day victory against Italy, likely to then step out of the replacements.

Paul O’Connell will captain an unbeaten Ireland side for what will be his milestone 100th international cap.

Wales have already named an unchanged team for the game, with their captain Sam Warburton fit to lead the team out having picked up a knee injury in their last victory in Paris.

The Irish team will be named in advance of today’s official press conference which is at 13.45pm, and it is expected shortly after lunchtime.