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Hooked: Frankie Sheahan's verdict on Ireland selection for Welsh showdown

Former Irish international fronts up after Declan Kidney’s team selection earlier.

THE IRELAND TEAM to play Wales at the Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff this Saturday has been named, with no changes from the team who beat Scotland two weeks ago.

The front row have been playing well and improving steadily in each game, so there is no surprise that the lads have kept their places.

Declan has resisted the urge to shuffle things around in the centre by bringing Tommy Bowe in from the wing or trying McFadden or Trimble.

O’Gara had cemented his feet firmly in his position after a flawless performance in Murrayfield.

In the back row, Sean O’Brien in particular had a great game against Scotland so I’m delighted to see him get his just reward. O’Brien is joined in the back row by the Munster stalwart, David Wallace, who will earn his 70th cap on Saturday.

Wallace is an immense figure in any team and has been the most consistent player in both the Irish and Munster jerseys in the last 10 seasons. I would like to wish him all the best on Saturday when he makes his 40th appearance in the Six Nations Championship.

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