Leinster’s Jamie Heaslip was the only doubt after picking up an ankle injury in the 20-16 victory for which he was named man of the match but will be fully fit.

Clubmate Jonny Sexton also keeps his place in the No.10 shirt despite an impressive cameo from replacement Ronan O’Gara against England.

Captain Brian O’Driscoll is in line to win his 100th cap – his 63rd as captain – with second-row Donncha O’Callaghan making his 60th appearance.

And in the only change to the matchday squad fit-again full-back Rob Kearney returns to the bench after recovering from the knee injury he sustained in the defeat to France.

The Leinster and British Lions star takes the place of Andrew Trimble as Geordan Murphy keeps hold of the starting slot.
Ireland: G Murphy; Bowe, B O’Driscoll, D’Arcy, Earls; Sexton, O’Leary; Healy, R Best, Hayes, O’Callaghan, O’Connell, Ferris, D Wallace, Heaslip.

Replacements: Buckley, Cronin, Cullen, Jennings, Reddan, O’Gara, Kearney