King’s team suffered a heavy defeat to England last time out, losing 43-22, and will be hoping to get their season back on track when they line up at Llandovery.

With this in mind, King has named an all-new front row to start the game, while Scarlets academy scrum-half Aled Davies starts and replaces Jonathan Evans in the 26 man squad after making a return to fitness and form after injury.

The other change in the starting line-up sees Blues centre Sam Campbell start the game with Luke Williams, scorer of the side's only try against England, starting on the wing in place of Eli Walker.

King said: “We can't wait to get to Llandovery and take on Ireland. They are always a difficult side, they beat us at last year's festival and also defeated Australian Schools in December.

“After the loss to England, it's great that we have the chance to get straight back in the saddle with this international match to kick-off the Five Nations festival.

“We had a constructive review session earlier in the week, but since then, the whole squad has been really positive in our preparation for this game.

“Our front row had a tough time in the scrum on Sunday and in making a full change in that area, the new players have an opportunity to start this match and the players on the bench will no doubt want to make a good impression when they come on.

“Aled Davies has had a disruptive season through injury and was always going to be in with a shout if he came through rehab which he's done.

“We are constantly looking at different combinations and Sam Campbell gets a chance to start in the centre with Luke Williams on the wing.”

Wales under-18 team v Ireland:
Tom Prydie (Ospreys); Harry Robinson (Blues), George North (Scarlets), Sam Campbell (Blues), Luke Williams (Scarlets); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Aled Davies (Scarlets); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Jack Dando (Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Cory Hill (Blues), Luke Hamilton (Scarlets), Owen Sheppeard (Blues),Thomas Young (capt, Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys)
Replacements from: Kirby Myhill (Scarlets), Darran Harris (Blues), Will Griff John (Blues), Matthew Screech (Blues), Ellis Jenkins (Blues), Calum Thomas (Blues), Tom Habberfield (Ospreys), Joseff Griffin (Blues), Leighton Bellamore (Dragonss), Eli Walker (Ospreys), Harley Thompson (Blues)