Sam Costelow returns at out-half as Wales make one change for game against Ireland – Irish Times

Out-half Sam Costelow has been recalled to Wales’ starting eleven for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin.

The Scarlets’ number 10 was sidelined with a neck problem during Wales’ 27-26 defeat to Scotland in the opening game of the Championship.

When Twickenham took over for England, he was replaced by Yoan Lloyd, who had started at out half, but Costelow returned as the only substitute from that game.

Elsewhere, newcomers Cameron Wynnett and Alex Mann made further starts, while center George North earned his 120th cap, joining Alun Wyn Jones and Gethin Jenkins in reaching that milestone. He became the first Welsh player to do so.

Uncapped Cardiff back-row forward Mackenzie Martin has been named as a replacement. The 20-year-old is in his first full season of professional rugby and although he has made just nine appearances for Cardiff, he is now set to make his Test debut at the Aviva Stadium.

Other changes on the bench from Twickenham include both Lloyd and Harlequins prop Dillon Lewis.

Wales have not won a Six Nations fixture in Dublin since 2012, with one draw and four defeats since then.

They are looking to win back-to-back Grand Slam titles and face a difficult challenge against an opponent fresh off bonus point wins over France and Italy.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland said: It’s a challenge we enjoy.

“We’ve made progress in the last few games, so now it’s about building on that, learning from that experience and applying that to this weekend.

“It’s about continuing to work hard, being precise in your 80-minute performance and being disciplined.”

Andy Farrell will name the Ireland team on Thursday at 2pm.

Wales (v Ireland, Aviva Stadium, Saturday, February 15th): C. Wynnett (Cardiff); J. Adams (Cardiff), G. North (Ospreys), N. Tompkins (Saracens), R. Dyer (Dragons). S. Costelow (Scarlets), T. Williams (Cardiff). G. Thomas (Ospreys), E. Dee (Dragons), K. Assilatti (Cardiff). D Jenkins (Exeter, Captain), A Beard (Osprey). A. Mann (Cardiff), T. Leffell (Leicester), A. Wainwright (Dragons).

Replacement: R. Elias (Scarlets), C. Domakowski (Cardiff), D. Lewis (Harlequins), W. Rowlands (Racing 92), M. Martin (Cardiff), K. Hardy (Scarlets), I. Lloyd (Scarlets) , M. Grady (Cardiff).