Howley opts against Wales overhaul for Ireland clash

Wales will operate in a “no excuses” environment when they look to derail Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations title bid on Friday.

After being soundly beaten by Scotland 29-13, Wales chose the same team to face Ireland in Six Nations rugby on Friday in Cardiff.

Bath forwards Taulupe Faletau and Luke Charteris, who had been tipped in some quarters to come into the pack, again feature among the replacements along with fly-half Sam Davies, who is still waiting for his first Test start.

Howley said: “There is a lot of experience in our group”. If the national team doesn’t succeed you’re going to get a fair bit of flak and that’s life, nothing changes.

Wales play France in their final fixture in Paris next week and George North will be seeing another try after notching a double at Principality Stadium.

North scored twice, one in either half, as Wales proved once again they are best when their backs are against the wall.

“You’ve got to (win) the fine margins when you’re playing a Welsh side as good as they are, and as desperate as they are, and we did not do that. Hopefully, we will step up to the plate on Friday”.

In the build-up to the announcement, Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards said North had been warned about his form.

“It’s a challenge for both sides and an opportunity for both sides to have those unchanged starting XVs and the full 23 for Wales”.

This will help Gatland’s cause as much as it will Wales and equally cast doubt over Irish certainties.

McBryde, who played hooker for Wales alongside Howley and assistant coach Neil Jenkins, added: “We’re in a goldfish bowl in Wales and you’re aware of it”.

“The players have been outstanding since Scotland, they’ve been very honest in their appraisal about the way they played in the first 15-20 minutes of the second half at Murrayfield”. It arrived while Sexton was off for a head injury assessment.

When they got their hands on the ball, the visitors asked questions of the Welsh with Sexton giving them the lead after Rhys Webb was penalised for a high tackle on Robbie Henshaw.

The Irish kicked off their Six Nations campaign with a surprise defeat by Scotland before bouncing back to beat Italy and France. They are now facing the prospect of a worst Six Nations showing since 2007, back to back defeats in Cardiff for the first time in 14 years and dropping out of the top 8 of the World rankings, just before the 2019 World Cup draw is made.

Rob Howley’s men may have inadvertently nearly handed England the trophy but can be happy with their response after succumbing to the powers of Scotland in their previous Six Nations clash.