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Paddy Jackson will fill in on Sextons absence

Irelands’ Head Coach has called upon the services of two uncapped Ulstermen to cover for injuries sustained against England.

This weekend’s clash against Scotland in Edinburgh will see both Paddy Jackson and Luke Marshall earning not only their first cap for Ireland, but also their first start for the side.

Simon Zebo and Gordon D’Arcy have been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament while star man Jonny Sexton may see the ‘10 shirt’ again before the end of Irelands’ Six Nations campaign.

The playmaker to be called on is not Irelands highest point scorer, Ronan O’Gara, but Belfast man Jackson

The Ulster out-half captained the Ireland U20 squad last year and has been praised for his recent form for his province.

Declan Kidney said, “Its Paddy’s turn to have a go for a number of reasons and he’s really looking forward to it. We’ve had guys chomping for positions that have always been hard to fill.”

Ronan O’Gara took the news “Like the man he is.” Declan said, “He came to training like it was his first session.”

Declan said the decision was “very difficult, but it’s the best compliment I can give to Paddy that he’s got ahead of him.”

Jackson was “filled with butterflies at first but, after a minuet or two, calmed down and realised I had to get on with it, and just feel the excitement.”

Luke Marshall will play in Gordon D’Arcy’s absence at Inside Centre. Marshall also took part in the elusive Wolfhounds victory over Fiji in November. With Brian O’Driscoll outside him, he’ll have plenty of encouragement in his quest to secure himself the ’12 shirt. “Brian has been good this week helping me to adjust.”

“I’ve been watching Brian play since I was about 9 and I never thought this day would come so it will be nice playing with him outside me.”

Captain Jamie Heaslip praised the youngsters for their professionalism shown in training during the Autumn Internationals and conveys his trust in their abilities.

“Ill try and give them advise regarding the nerves for the first game and the best advice is just go out and play your game, you’ve got 14 other guys with you willing to die for you basically.”

Tom Court will take the field, replacing Cian Healy throughout his ban, joining provincial partner Rory Best in the front row.

With Scotland playing impressively of late, not most their remarkable display against the All Blacks in November, it would be foolish for any Irish fans to take a win for granted.

Wales vs Ireland; Preview

Meetings between Ireland and Wales have come right down to the wire on a number of occasions in recent years. Looking at each team sheet it looks like tomorrow may be business as usual.

Heaslip will lead the boys in green out for the first time in the championship, continuing on from his captaincy in the autumn internationals. Simon Zebo and Craig Gilroy will man either wing in their 6 Nations debut bringing a young, vibrant and fearless excitement to the side. Both players made impressive starts to their international career in November last year. Andrew Trimble hasn’t even made the bench this time.

Wales will go into tomorrows clash with a need to prove themselves having lost their last three matches by some margin.

Leigh Halfpenny will be looking to outperform his opposite number at full back, Rob Kearney, in an attempt to get a place on the Lions this summer. The same such battle will be taking place between Matthew Rees and Rory Best at hooker, and Mike Phillips and Connor Murray at scrum half.

Rhys Patchell hasn’t made the squad this time round despite having a good season so far at out half for Cardiff Blues and massive speculation of his contention for starting place. Dan Biggar will pull on the 10 shirt in his 11^th cap for Wales.

Wales		Ireland
Leigh Halfpenny	15	Rob Kearney
Alex Cuthbert	14	Craig Gilroy
Jonathan Davies	13	Brian )'Driscoll
Jamie Robbert	12	Gordan D'Arcy
Geroge North	11	Simon Zebo
Dan Biggar	10	Jonathan Sexton
Mike Phillips	9	Conor Murray
Gethin Jenkins	1	Cian Healy
Matthew Rees	2	Rory Best
Adam Jones	3	Mike Ross
Andrew Coombs	4	Donnacha Ryan
Ian Evans	5	Mike McCarthy
Aaron Shingler	6	Sean O'Brien
Sam Warburton	7	Peter O'Mahony
Toby Faletau	8	Jamie Heaslip
Replacements
Ken Owens	16	Sean Cronin
Paul James	17	Dave Kilcoyne
Craig Mitchell	18	Declan Fitzpatrick
Olly Kohn	19	Donnacha O'Callaghan
Justin Tipuric	20	Chris Henry
Lloyd Walliams	21	Eoin Reddan
James Hook	22	Ronan O'Gara
Scott Williams	23	Keith Earls