Ireland Rugby

We're going to take a quick break before Andy Farrell speaks to the media at 16:00 GMT, but here's a reminder of the headlines from Ireland's team announcement:

• A first Six Nations start for Nick Timoney as Ireland make five changes
• Tom O'Toole and Ronan Kelleher come into the front row
• Timoney and Jack Conan start in the back row, while Tadhg Beirne shifts to lock
• Jacob Stockdale replaces injured James Lowe on left wing
• Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak set for Ireland debut off the bench

We'll be back at 15:30 GMT to catch what Farrell has to say, so make sure you join us then!

In case you missed it, here's a reminder of Ireland's team to take on Wales.

Image source, BBC Sport

It certainly seems the Jacob Stockdale/Tommy O'Brien selection is the one causing the most conversation.

What do you think of Andy Farrell's call to give the Ulster wing the nod?

Image source, Inpho

A 2023 victory over Italy in Rome was the last time Wales savoured that winning feeling in the Six Nations and while predictions the losing streak will end in Dublin on Friday are thin on the ground, Ireland forwards coach Paul O'Connell insists "we don't expose ourselves" to such discourse.

Certainly, it's been another tough campaign for the Welsh who were whitewashed in the last two championships, while they look favourites for a third-straight wooden spoon with three defeats in their opening fixtures this year.

However, O'Connell does not believe the outlook is as bleak for Steve Tandy's side as some predict, refusing to downplay the chances of their visitors who were minutes from victory against Scotland in their last outing.

Still, the Irish approach remains the same, less concerned about what the opposition will bring and more about "getting excited to do our thing".

"For sure, we focus on the opposition but less than we did in my playing days," the former Ireland captain told reporters on Tuesday.

"There's real excitement about how we're going to play and perform, but having said that, Wales have excellent players and athletes, really good coaches.

"You've seen hints of it over the last few months and I think Wales are going to get better and better, but for us, it's about our performance.

"We're expecting a tough game, but we want to see us getting better at what we do."

Ireland have gone from being described as over the hill against France to being back to their best against England?

There's nothing quite like knee-jerk reactions, is there?

Despite that, there's no doubting that Ireland have been a bit Jekyll and Hyde over the past year or so, but what team will turn up on Friday night against Wales?

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

We've got seven Ulster players in the matchday squad for Friday night's game with five starting.

Matt Gault
BBC Sport NI senior journalist

Nick Timoney's inclusion comes as no surprise.

He has been one of Ulster's standout players for years and has not put a foot wrong when called upon by Ireland recently.

He scored a try when he started in the autumn win over Japan, and while that was not enough for him to keep his place, his form off the bench in the Six Nations has been impossible to ignore.

A quick and direct runner, the former Sevens player is now in a position where he can really elbow his way into the back row conversation for next year's World Cup.

Image source, Inpho

If perseverance and desire fuelled Stuart McCloskey when chasing down Marcus Smith in the closing stages of Ireland's 42-21 Six Nations win over England last week, it was perhaps a microcosm of his international career.

The 33-year-old centre made his Test debut at Twickenham during the 2016 edition as England claimed a 21-10 win on their way to a Grand Slam, but appearances during Joe Schmidt's reign as Ireland coach proved few and far between.

With Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw the preferred midfield partnership at that time, McCloskey found himself out of favour. Schmidt did not seem keen on the Ulster man who earned just two further caps during his tenure.

"Maybe we didn't see eye to eye" and "sometimes a player and coach just aren't on the same page" is how McCloskey reasons with that period, but Andy Farrell's arrival at the Irish helm following the 2019 World Cup presented a fresh slate.

McCloskey's performances for Ulster were eye-catching and he played his way into Ireland contention, despite filling the dreaded 24th man role more times than he would have preferred.

"It wasn't hard mentally as I thought I did pretty well," McCloskey says.

"Unfortunately I had the calf tear and Bundee came in. That was a straight swap and we saw what he did for those last two games which led into the World Cup.

"Back then it wasn't the done thing to put a 12 on the bench and Bundee was unbelievable during that World Cup cycle and was nominated for world player of the year.

"He was playing so well in the slot, so it was hard to get on the team and to get ahead of him you would need to be the best player in the world.

"I didn't think I was that, as I was resigned to just being here, working hard and wait for the opportunity."

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At fly-half, Jack Crowley has retained his place after an impressive performance against England.

On the bench, Ciaran Frawley has been trusted with the 23 jersey.

Harry Byrne is following return to play protocols and misses out, but Frawley was selected ahead of Sam Prendergast, who was Ireland's first choice at the start of the tournament.

Could his versatility be key?

We'll hear properly from Andy Farrell at his press conference at 16:00 GMT, but there's a nice little quote from the Ireland head coach on the respective milestones for Jamison Gibson-Park and Nathan Doak:

"We have two special milestones in the squad this week at opposite ends of the scrum-half spectrum," said Farrell.

"I would firstly like to congratulate Nathan on his first international selection. Nathan has been around a few Ireland camps in recent years and has impressed with the consistency and quality of his play in training and with Ulster over a longer period.

"I know how much this means to Nathan and we are determined to make this a special few days for him and his family."

Image source, Getty Images

No wonder Jamison Gibson-Park is smiling, he'll win his 50th Ireland cap on Friday night.

What a player he has been for Ireland over the years.

Image source, Getty Images

It's a big moment for Nathan Doak, who is set to make his Ireland debut off the bench on Friday.

It is reward for a fine season with Ulster, and the scrum half has not only stepped up in the nine jersey but is also a useful asset off the kicking tee.

His dad Neil, who was also a scrum half, came close to making his Ireland debut on a number of occasions at the start of the century but never made it onto the field, so it will be a proud moment for the full family.

Image source, Getty Images

Last year, Ulster only had three players in Andy Farrell's entire Six Nations squad.

On Friday, five will start against Wales and there are another two on the bench.

Robert Baloucoune, Jacob Stockdale and Stuart McCloskey are in the back line, while Tom O'Toole and Nick Tmoney are in the pack.

Then, off the bench, Tom Stewart will get an opportunity at hooker while Nathan Doak will make his Ireland debut at scrum half.

Richie Murphy's side have had a big upturn in form this season and have been rewarded.

What do you make of Andy Farrell's selection? Is anyone unlucky to be left out?

Let us know using Get Involved.

So, Andy Farrell has made a number of changes from the big win over England.

In the backline, Jacob Stockdale has got the nod to replace the injured James Lowe on the left wing.

In the pack, Tom O'Toole and Ronan Kelleher are handed starts in the front row, while Jack Conan and Nick Timoney come into the back row.

There's a change in the second row as Tadhg Beirne shifts forward and Joe McCarthy drops to the bench.

Ireland Rugby

Ireland: Jamie Osborne; Robert Baloucoune; Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey; Jacob Stockdale; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Tom O'Toole, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Caelan Doris (capt).

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Michael Milne, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, Nathan Doak, Tom Farrell, Ciaran Frawley.

Ireland Rugby

Nick Timoney will make his first Six Nations start, while scrum-half Nathan Doak is named on the bench and will make his Ireland debut.

Full team incoming...