And in the backs Aberavon’s Ben John will team up with Owen Williams at centre as Wales look to record a third straight victory to keep their championship hopes alive.

“Our main aim is to keep up the momentum we have shown in our games so far in this championship,” said former London Irish scrum half Edwards.

“Even when we have been down to 14 men, we have played a high-tempo, running rugby and we want to maintain that on Friday.

“With this selection, we are pretty close to our strongest side but there are still a few places up for grabs where players have been given some extra game time to prove themselves.

“Like us, Ireland have beaten Scotland and Italy so far and despite a home loss to France, they will be a well-drilled side, coached by former Wales coach Mike Ruddock.”

15 – Steve Shingler (Scarlets / Llanelli)
14 – Adam Warren (Llandovery)
13 – Ben John (Ospreys / Aberavon)
12 – Owen Williams (Blues / Cardiff)
11 – Harry Robinson (Blues)
10 – Matthew Morgan (Ospreys / Swansea)
9 – Lewis Jones (Pontypridd)
1 – Rhodri Jones (Scarlets / Llanelli)
2 – Kirby Myhill (Scarlets / Llanelli)
3 – Will Taylor (Ospreys / Swansea)
4 – Macauley Cook (Blues / Cardiff)
5 – Matthew Screech (Blues / Pontypridd)
6 – Edward Siggery (Pontypridd)
7 – Luke Hamilton (Blues / Glamorgan Wanderers)
8 – Ben Thomas (Ospreys / Bridgend)

Replacements:

16 – Sam Parry (Llandovery)
17 – Rob Evans (Scarlets / Carmarthen Quins)
18 – Cory Hill (Blues / Pontypridd)
19 – Owen Sheppeard (Blues / Pontypridd)
20 – Jonathan Evans (Dragons / Newport)
21 – Rheon James (Carmarthen Quins)
22 – Joseff Griffin (Blues / Cardiff)