O’Sullivan changes three for Wales test

Donncha O’Callaghan comes into the second row in place of the injured Paul O’Connell (shoulder) to win his 22nd cap, with Ireland ‘A’ Captain Mick O’Driscoll included amongst the replacements. Marcus Horan has recovered from a stomach bug and comes into the team in place of Reggie Corrigan at loosehead prop. In the backs, Andrew Trimble, earning his fourth cap, moves to the left wing in place of his Ulster team mate Tommy Bowe with Girvan Dempsey on the bench.

“Tommy (Bowe) has played five games on the bounce and I think he’s disappointed with himself. He’s not playing to the best of his ability,” said O’Sullivan. “But he’s still young and has a lot of talent. He will have to find the spark that was missing of late. Andrew getting in was just a selection issue. He came off the bench in Paris and did well.”

O’Sullivan said there were also discussions about a number of other positions. “The back three and the second-row came under some discussion. However, with Paul O’Connell having been forced out, one situation took care of itself,” said O’Sullivan. “We have kept the back-row intact, while we didn’t want to meddle with the midfield.”

The team will be captained by centre Brian O’Driscoll for the 25th time.