Three changes in Wales starting XV to face Ireland

Nikita Prothero is set for a debut off the bench, while Natalia John could win her 50th cap. Bethan Lewis will lead the side out at Affidea Stadium, with Kate Williams ruled out of the rest of the tournament with a leg injury. Wales' Metcalfe signs new Gloucester-Hartpury deal Wales are winless in the tournament so far, with their most recent Six Nations victory coming against Italy in 2024.

And despite the Wooden Spoon looming large for a third consecutive year, they are encouraged by their four-try showing against world champions England last time out. "We are excited to resume the Six Nations and build on the grit and resilience we showed against England," said Wales head coach Sean Lynn. "We took another real step forward in building our playing style and team identity and we know we have to do the same against Ireland in their own backyard.

"This is a new-look Wales squad and it's all about sticking to our principles and process and focusing on what we want to do and expect from ourselves in the Test arena. "Ireland are an ambitious side and will be hurting after their run of results in the tournament and we know they will be looking to make a statement in Belfast on Saturday. " Watch every match live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app; listen to match commentaries on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra and BBC Sounds; follow live text and match highlights online Ireland: Flood; Parsons, Dalton, Higgins, O'Connor; O'Brien, Lane; Perry, Moloney-MacDonald, Djougang, Wall, Tuite, Hogan, King (capt) Wafer Replacements: Jones, McGrath, Cahill, Campbell, Monaghan, Moore, Whelan, Gallagher Wales: Powell; Dallavalle, Cox, Keight, J Joyce; George, Bevan; Pyrs, Jones, Tuipulotu, Metcalfe, Evans, Aiono, Lewis (capt), King Replacements: Reardon, Davies, Rose, John, A Joyce, Lockwood, Bell, Prothero Assistants: Alexandra Ferre (FFR), Beatrice Smussi (FIR)