The Morning Sports Briefing

Schmidt to name Ireland side

Joe Schmidt names his Ireland side for Sunday’s Six Nations opener against Wales at 2pm today, and a number of question marks remain over certain positions in the starting XV.

Gerry Thornley suggests one man who could be in line to make his international debut is Munster's CJ Stander, and with doubts remaining over the fitness of Sean O'Brien he could be joined in the backrow by provincial teammate Tommy O'Donnell.

Liam Toland column

In his column today Liam Toland suggests whoever does start in the backrow will have the responsibility of protecting Johnny Sexton against a hugely physical Welsh outfit.

He writes: “The Aviva is 70 metres wide and our forwards need to fill huge swathes of it to ensure our backs are making tackles way out and Sexton’s are down to a minimum.”

Before the men and women take centre stage on Sunday Ireland's Under-20s begin their Six Nations campaign tonight, taking on Wales at Donnybrook at 7.35pm.

And there is still time to join up for the Irish Times Six Nations fantasy rugby competition, you can pick your side here.

O’Sullivan could be awarded golds

Sonia O'Sullivan could be in line to receive two belated gold medals after a letter revealing a group of Chinese athletes who rose to prominence at the 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart were doping has been circulated by Chinese state media.

The letter is written by Wang Junxia and signed by a number of her team mates who formed “Ma’s Army,” a group of long distance runners trained by Ma Junren, and claims the athletes were forced into doping by their coach.

Lowry shares lead with Fowler

Shane Lowry has put himself firmly in contention in Phoenix after shooting an opening round of 65 to share the lead with Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama. Paul Dunne is currently one under par and will resume his opening round on day two.

Meanwhile Rory McIlroy posted an opening four under par 68 in the Dubai Desert Classic. Ernie Els currently leads the tournament on nine under.

Dalymount redevelopment

Elswehere Dublin City Council have revealed plans for the redevelopment of Dalymount Park, a project which would have a budget of €20 million.

What to watch out for:

Rugby

Ireland U-20s take on Wales U-20s at Donnybrook (RTE2 7.35pm ko)

Ulster face the Dragons with the chance to move to the top of the Pro 12 table (BBC2, TG4, 7.35pm ko)

Golf

Shane Lowry and Paul Dunne are in action on the second day of the Phoenix Open (SS4, 8pm-12am)

Day two of the Dubai Desert Classic (SS2, 7.30am-1.30pm)