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selection battles

How many Irish players would make it into an Ireland/Wales composite team?

Both sides have excellent starting XVs, which makes it hard to narrow down.

Peter O'Mahony Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

OVER THE LAST few years, Ireland v Wales has probably become the number one rivalry for Irish fans, surpassing even the annual battle with England.

The World Cup quarter-final encounter, the back-and-forth Six Nations tussles and the heavily Welsh-infused Lions test team in 2013 have all contributed to making the game one that Irish fans relish.

The build-up around the fixture has added to the atmosphere even more, with comments from the Welsh coaches and some journalists catching the attention of supporters almost as much as the potential on-pitch action.

There have been a few offerings of Wales/Ireland teams featuring the best of both sides so we decided to choose our own, but want to hear who you would have in your side.

15. Leigh Halfpenny

Gordon D'Arcy with Leigh Halfpenny Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

14. Tommy Bowe

Tommy Bowe scores a try Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

13. Robbie Henshaw

Robbie Henshaw celebrates after the game James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

12. Jamie Roberts

Jamie Roberts breaks the tackle of Brian O'Driscoll

11. George North

George North and Andrew Trimble Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

10. Johnny Sexton

Johnny Sexton

9. Conor Murray

Conor Murray Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

1. Cian Healy

Cian Healy celebrates as Chris Henry scores a try Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

2. Rory Best

Alex Cuthbert is tackled by Rory Best Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

3. Samson Lee

Luke Charteris and Samson Lee tackle Mathieu Bastareaud Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

4. Alun Wyn Jones

Alun Wyn Jones Colm O'Neill / INPHO Colm O'Neill / INPHO / INPHO

5. Paul O’Connell

Paul O'Connell on the charge Colm O'Neill / INPHO Colm O'Neill / INPHO / INPHO

6. Peter O’Mahony

Peter O'Mahony and Dan Biggar James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

7. Sean O’Brien

Sean O'Brien Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

8. Taulupe Faletau

Taulupe Faletau Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

Henshaw over Jonathan Davies was probably the biggest selection dilemma but the young centre is in the team on form. Davies has been pretty anonymous for Clermont all season and while he was good against Scotland, Henshaw has played better – for club and country – this year.

Given that O’Brien and Healy are only just back from injury, you could argue that they shouldn’t be there but since that isn’t a form related issue, you can justify their inclusion.

Who would be in your dream Ireland/Wales XV?

How different would Saturday’s game in Cardiff be if this dazzling out-half was involved?

The most important question of all has been answered ahead of Wales v Ireland

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