Ireland make five changes against Wales side looking for first win in Dublin since 2012

Cork's Jack Crowley retains the pivotal number 10 jersey having excelled against England 
Ireland make five changes against Wales side looking for first win in Dublin since 2012

KEY MAN: Jack Crowley at training this week. Picture: INPHO/Ben Brady

Ireland have made five changes from the side that beat England for Friday's Six Nations clash in Dublin, which kicks off at 8.10pm. 

Wales will be seeking to end a 14-match losing streak in the Six Nations and haven't won away to Ireland in the Six Nations since 2012. The hosts' target is a Triple Crown with Scotland at the Aviva for the last game, though they're still in contention for the 

On the wing, Jacob Stockdale - who started against France but missed the games against Italy and England - replaces the injured James Lowe while the rest of the backline remains intact.

At loosehead, Tom O'Toole takes the places of Jeremy Loughman. The Munster prop had started Ireland's opening three games but is unavailable due to a calf injury. Also in the front row, Ronan Kelleher gets the nod at hooker with Dan Sheahan dropping out.

Tadhg Beirne moves from the backrow to the second row with Joe McCarthy missing out. Jack Conan, who missed the win over England due to illness, will start at blindside flaker while Nick Timoney will be at openside instead of Josh van der Flier.

Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak has been named on the bench and is set to win his first Ireland cap. Also at scrum-half, Jamison Gibson-Park will win his 50th Ireland cap on Friday with Innishannon's Jack Crowley in the key out-half berth.

IRELAND: 

J Osborne; R Baloucoune, G Ringrose, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; T O’Toole, R Kelleher, T Furlong; J Ryan, T Beirne; J Conan, N Timoney, C Doris (c).

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Michael Milne, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, Nathan Doak, Tom Farrell, Ciaran Frawley

more Cork Rugby articles

West Cork Stars Selected to Represent Ireland at 2026 Tag Rugby World Cup in Australia West Cork Stars Selected to Represent Ireland at 2026 Tag Rugby World Cup in Australia
Ireland Rugby Media Conference Ireland hope to get off to a winning start against Australia in new Nations Championship 
Gavin Coombes and Fineen Wycherley dejected after the match 30/5/2026 David Corkery on rugby: Munster need an open review that every fan can read

More in this section

Champions Cork finish strong against Dublin to return to All-Ireland minor final Champions Cork finish strong against Dublin to return to All-Ireland minor final
Cork Camogie: Lexi Manley makes All-Star minor team as Bishopstown beat Bride Rovers Cork Camogie: Lexi Manley makes All-Star minor team as Bishopstown beat Bride Rovers
Tipperary v Kerry - Munster GAA Football Senior Championship Semi-Final Peter Keane's brief Aghabullogue spell concludes as former Kerry boss moves on

Sponsored Content

Say cheese, think Kerrygold: Dinner is a dream with a simple but tasty pasta bake Say cheese, think Kerrygold: Dinner is a dream with a simple but tasty pasta bake
CS Yuno Energy July 2026 Yuno Energy brings clarity to customers’ energy bills
Don’t skip the foundation: The PSRA’s role in making property transactions transparent Don’t skip the foundation: The PSRA’s role in making property transactions transparent
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more