Overview
- Captain Caelan Doris will miss his first Ireland game since 2021 due to a knee injury, ending a streak of 42 consecutive Test appearances.
- Hooker Rónan Kelleher is sidelined with a neck issue, while prop Tadhg Furlong remains unavailable as he recovers from a calf injury.
- Assistant coach Andrew Goodman confirmed that all three players are making progress and could return for Ireland's crucial match against France on March 8.
- Jack Conan is the leading candidate to replace Doris at No. 8 and is also in contention to captain the team, alongside other experienced leaders like Peter O’Mahony and James Ryan.
- Ireland, currently leading the Six Nations standings with two wins, will face a struggling Wales team under new interim coach Matt Sherratt, following Warren Gatland's departure.