Tompkins to make first Wales start against Ireland
Saracens centre Nick Tompkins will make his first Wales start in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash against Ireland.
Tompkins, who delivered a try-scoring debut off the bench when Wales beat Italy 42-0 five days ago, partners Hadleigh Parkes in midfield.
George North, a centre starter against the Azzurri, moves back to his familar wing position, replacing Johnny McNicholl.
▪ Wayne Pivac runs through all the key points from his team selection for Dublin this weekend. #GuinnessSixNationspic.twitter.com/Ib3GCQPhmd
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 6, 2020
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has made no other changes to the starting line-up.
Switches among the replacements, though, see McNicholl being joined by prop Rhys Carre, who is available again after serving a suspension following his sending off in Saracens’ Champions Cup victory over the Ospreys last month.
Scrum-half Gareth Davies and Gloucester back Owen Williams are also on the bench, together with Ospreys lock Adam Beard, who replaces an injured Cory Hill.