How Wales could line up against Ireland

Wayne Pivac is set to name a largely changed side to face Ireland in their first 6 Nations 2021 match.

The Wales boss was dealt a blow earlier in the week with Josh Adams being released from the squad due to a breach of COVID-19 protocols.

The news hasn't got much better for the under-pressure Kiwi with multiple reports stating that Jonathan Davies is an injury concern for the opening game with an ankle injury.

With Davies out, George North looks set to start in the midfield once again having featured in the position against Italy during the Autumn Nations Cup. While Nick Tompkins is in the Wales squad, Pivac looks set to hand the #13 jersey to North instead with the test centurian lining up alongside Johnny Williams.

Liam Williams is currently suspended and will also miss the match meaning that Hallam Amos is likely to start on the wing with Louis Rees-Zammit on the other flank and Leigh Halfpenny at fullback. 

Dan Biggar is primed to resume his role as the starting pivot with the starting scrumhalf role still relatively open. Kieran Hardy started Wales' last three tests in 2020 but is absent from the Six Nations squad leading to Gareth Davies being the likeliest starter.

There is set to be another shakeup in the back row with the combination of Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau rumoured to start a test together for the first time since 2016. 

According to Sportsmail, Adam Beard will partner Alun Wyn Jones in the second row with Jake Ball providing cover on the bench.

A fully fit Ken Owens will return to the #2 jersey with the Sheriff likely to be paired with Wyn Jones and Tomas Francis.

Potential starting line up (1-15): Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric,  Taulupe Faletau, Gareth Davies, Dan Biggar, Hallam Amos, Johnny Williams, George North, Louis Rees-Zammit and League Halfpenny.