Two Munster Rugby players named in Ireland Six Nations side to face Wales

MUNSTER captain Peter O'Mahony and Tadhg Beirne have been named in Andy Farrell's starting XV for their opening Six Nations clash with Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

O'Mahony is set to win his 90th international cap in the game while Beirne gets a chance to continue his excellent form over the last 18 months with a start in the second row. Conor Murray is named on the bench.

Johnny Sexton will captain the side at out-half and is joined at half-back by Leinster teammate Jamison Gibson-Park. Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe are named in the back three, while Stuart McCloskey partners Garry Ringrose in the centre.

There is a double blow in the front row with both Ronan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong replaced by Dan Sheehan and Finlay Bealham. Andrew Porter completes the Irish front row.

Beirne and James Ryan continue their partnership at second row, while O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris make up the Ireland back row. The game has a 2:15pm kick-off on Saturday and is live on Virgin Media TV

IRELAND: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Johnny Sexton, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Finlay Bealham; Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan; Peter O'Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.

REPLACEMENTS: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Tom O'Toole, Iain Henderson, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Ross Byrne, Bundee Aki.