Johnny Sexton has recovered from a facial injury and will captain Ireland from flyhalf but prop Tadhg Furlong has been ruled out of their Six Nations opener against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Furlong has not played since December after ankle, hamstring and calf injuries, but had hoped to be fit to return against the Welsh.
His place in the side is taken by Finlay Bealham, who gets the nod ahead of Tom O’Toole.Furlong is expected to return for Ireland’s crucial second clash against France in Dublin on Feb.
11.Sexton has recovered from surgery to his cheekbone and starts alongside scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park. Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose continue their partnership in the midfield.
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