Warren Gatland's tendency to name his team early continues into the Six Nations 2016. He's named a strong team to face Joe Schmidt's side for Sunday, with the backrow a particular area of interest.
Gatland has gone with two natural openside flankers, hinting that he's looking at dominating the breakdown - both ensuring quick ball, and slowing down Ireland's.
Here's the Wales team to face Ireland on Sunday in the Six Nations opener https://t.co/ov1iKly3eH pic.twitter.com/eqjq9o6GVU
— WalesOnline 🏴 (@WalesOnline) February 3, 2016
The pairing of Tipuric and Warburton in the backrow is one that has been successful for Wales in the past. Gatland has also gone with young props Samson Lee and Rob Evans who are both very good players - if not both short of match fitness because of injuries. Rob Evans in particular was dominated by Connacht just last month in the scrum.
With Leigh Halfpenny out injured, New Zealand born Gareth Anscombe is chosen at full-back. There's no place in the squad for Liam Williams either. Alex Cuthbert has been relegated to the bench in favour for Cardiff's in form Tom James. James returns to the Welsh team six years after his last cap.
Ireland aren't expected to name their team until Friday.
See Also: Glorious Footage Of A Dump Tackle That Flattened A Young Brian O'Driscoll
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
