Six Lions named in Wales team to play Ireland as Adams moves to the centre

Josh Adams will start in the centre for Wales in this Saturday's Guinness Six Nations opener against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

The versatile Cardiff back is one of six British and Irish Lions picked by head coach Wayne Pivac for the defending champions.

Despite being without Alun-Wyn Jones and Ken Owens among a host of experienced starters, Pivac has been able to assemble a strong starting XV, while Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake is set for his Test debut off the bench.

Dan Bigger captains the side from out-half, linking up with Tomos Williams in the half-backs, while Adams will start at outside centre alongside Saracens' Nick Tompkins.

There are two more Lions in the back three, with Liam Williams at full-back and Louis Rees-Zammit - who scored four tries in last season's championship - on the left wing, with Johnny McNicholl completing the backline.

It's in the pack where Wales are feeling their injury crisis, although they can call on two more Lions in the form of loosehead Wyn Jones, and their vice-captain Adam Beard at lock.

Jones is partnered by Ryan Elias and the experienced Tomas Francis in the front row, with Beard joined by Will Rowlands at second row.

Ellis Jenkins, Taine Basham and Aaron Wainwright finish the starting team, with Ross Moriarty set to provide experience off the bench.

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

Replacements: Dewi Lake, Gareth Thomas, Dillon Lewis, Seb Davies, Ross Moriarty, Gareth Davies, Callum Sheedy, Owen Watkin

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