Ireland v Wales Six Nations team news as Andy Farrell gives debut to in-form Connacht wing Mack Hansen

In-form wing Mack Hansen will make his Ireland debut in Saturday's Six Nations opener against defending champions Wales in Dublin.

The Australia-born 23-year-old, whose mother is Irish, has been selected on the left flank in place of the injured James Lowe following a string of standout displays for Connacht.

Hansen used to play Super Rugby for the Brumbies and represented the Wallabies at under-20s level, but is named by Ireland after his scintillating form for his province.

Tadhg Beirne will start in the second row ahead of Iain Henderson in the only other change to the team which began November's 29-20 win over New Zealand.

Andy Farrell named his team on Thursday afternoon, with Johnny Sexton captaining the side on his 102nd cap for his country.

Sexton is joined at half-back by Jamison Gibson Park, while Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose link up in the centre for a 15th time for Ireland.

The uncapped Hansen is joined in the back three by Andrew Conway and Hugo Keenan.

The pack is largely as expected with initial injury doubts Tadhg Furlong and Josh van der Flier passed fit to play.

Hugo Keenan; Andrew Conway, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki , Mack Hansen; Johnny Sexton (capt), Jamison Gibson Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, James Ryan, Caelan Doris, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.

Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy Finlay Bealham, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, James Hume.

Liam Williams; Johnny McNicholl, Josh Adams, Nick Tompkins, Louis Rees-Zammit; Dan Biggar (capt), Tomos Williams; Wyn Jones, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Ellis Jenkins, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright.

Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Dillon Lewis, Seb Davies, Ross Moriarty, Gareth