Six Nations: No change for Wales as Rob Howley anticipates response

Despite Wales suffering a first defeat at Scotland’s hands for 10 years last time out, Howley will send the same starting XV and replacements into battle when Ireland arrive in Cardiff.

It is a selection that might surprise many pundits and supporters, but interim head coach Howley said: “As coaches, we discussed giving the opportunity to the side to redeem themselves for the second-half performance against Scotland.

“There were too many unforced errors in our game from 40 to 55 minutes, after a really dominant first half on the back of one of the best games in the Six Nations against England.

“Obviously, I know things have been said in the week about some players’ performance. But as a coaching team, we have talked about the opportunity just to go out again.

“There is an opportunity to go out at home in front of our own supporters and deliver a performance which the players are proud of and for the supporters to support that. It will be a huge game.”

Bath forwards Taulupe Faletau and Luke Charteris, who had been tipped in some quarters to start, again feature among the replacements. Openside flanker Justin Tipuric will win his 50th cap, packing down alongside back-row colleagues Sam Warburton and Ross Moriarty.

Wing George North is among those retained and he forms Wales’ back three with Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams.

Howley, meanwhile, said that Charteris suffered concussion while in club action last Saturday.

“He has gone through the HIA process and wasn’t able to train over the weekend,” added Howley. “So, because of that lack of preparation time we have decided, with a six-day turnaround, it’s common sense for him to be on the bench and come on if needed.”

If Wales lose, it will be the first time since 2007 for them to suffer three successive defeats in one Six Nations campaign.

Losses in both remaining fixtures against Ireland and France would put them outside the top-ranked eight nations for May’s 2019 World Cup draw.