Simon Easterby has first-hand knowledge of rugby in Wales

The in-form Scarlets flanker gets the nod ahead of Ulster's Neil Best who was favoured in the autumn internationals.

Denis Hickie is included in the absence of the injured Shane Horgan while Andrew Trimble is preferred to Geordan Murphy on the right wing.

Girvan Dempsey continues at full-back and Rory Best is selected at hooker.

Interview: Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan

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Jerry Flannery has recovered from shoulder surgery and replaces Frankie Sheahan on the replacements' bench after being included in the match 22 for the first time since last season's championship.

Horgan will also miss the Croke Park clash with France on Sunday 11 February as he recovers from a knee operation.

The Leinster winger is doubtful for the arrival of England on 24 February and may only return to face Scotland on 10 March.

Mick O'Driscoll will be among the replacements after Malcolm O'Kelly failed to recover from a knee injury.

O'Sullivan revealed that Easterby's experience of playing in Wales was a crucial factor in his selection at blind-side flanker.

"Obviously the number six was a tight call but I think Simon has just got the edge at the moment.

"He is an established line-out jumper, he has been in good form and the fact we are playing Wales was a factor as well."

"Choosing the final back three was a tight call and Geordan Murphy is not too far away," O'Sullivan added.

"Girvan has been very, very good. His form over Christmas has been excellent and Denis' form has been excellent. It was a tough call on the other wing between Andrew and Geordan.

"Geordan is more of an elusive runner and Andrew is more of a power runner.

"It was just about getting the back-three package together to go after Wales."

606 DEBATE: Who would you have selected?

Ireland: G Dempsey (Leinster); A Trimble (Ulster), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, capt), G D'Arcy (Leinster), D Hickie (Leinster); R O'Gara (Munster), P Stringer (Munster); M Horan (Munster), R Best (Ulster), J Hayes (Munster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), S Easterby (Llanelli Scarlets), D Wallace (Munster), D Leamy (Munster).
Replacements: J Flannery (Munster), S Best (Ulster), N Best (Ulster), M O'Driscoll (Munster), I Boss (Ulster), P Wallace (Ulster), G Murphy (Leicester).