'Bring large parts of what we did against Scotland and we'll be in the game' - Wales aiming to build in Dublin

Wales head coach Steve Tandy believes his side can produce a “competitive performance” in their Guinness Six Nations clash against Ireland on Friday night.

Tandy has made three changes to the side that lost to Scotland at the Principality Stadium, with fly-half Dan Edwards and wing Ellis Mee both in line for a third start of the tournament.

In the back row, Alex Mann moves from openside flanker to blindside, while James Botham is promoted to the starting XV following an injury to Taine Plumtree during the narrow 26-23 defeat to Gregor Townsend’s side.

There’s also the potential of an international debut for Bath centre Louie Hennessey, who is named among the replacements alongside the returning duo of Adam Beard and Olly Cracknell.

Standing in their way on Friday is a rejuvenated Ireland side, who are coming off a record-breaking 42-21 win over England at Allianz Stadium.

Tandy wary of Ireland’s threats

After the first two rounds of the Six Nations, many had questioned Andy Farrell’s side following a defeat to France and a scrappy home win over Italy, before Ireland produced that stunning performance against England.

Tandy knows the challenge his side faces, chasing their first Six Nations win in Dublin since 2012 and a first victory at the Aviva Stadium since 2015, but remains focused on his own team despite praise for opposition scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park.

“They’ve got some unbelievable players and British Lions,” said Tandy.

“There’s an awareness piece about how Gibson-Park plays. You saw the quick tap penalty he took [against England for Ireland's second try]. His kicking game is exceptional.

“I think for us, we’ve largely got to focus on ourselves. I thought some of our defence was much better against Scotland. We were more aggressive.

“That’s something we’ve got to take into the game. You can’t focus too much on one individual. We’ve got to keep building on what we’re becoming.”

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But despite Ireland's qualities and renewed confidence, Tandy is still hoping for a competitive performance against the side ranked third in the world.

"We are at the point where we can go there and be competitive,” added the Wales boss.

"If we are competitive and bring large parts of what we did against Scotland, then I think we'll be in the game to get the result we all want.

"But I think just because we've had one good performance, or a performance that probably stacked a lot of moments together, I don’t think we should automatically expect a win based on that. That’s not where we are on our journey.

"It's going to be a different challenge. Last time we were away from home against England, look at the start we had.

"The emotional control going to Ireland is a different stress point for us, but I think it is exciting, and it will be a really good test for us on that development piece.”

Debut for Bath’s Hennessey

After featuring six times for Gallagher Prem champions Bath and scoring three tries over the course of this season, Louie Hennessey is finally set for his international debut after being named in his second Welsh squad.

Tandy is excited about what the 21-year-old outside centre can bring to the international stage.

“He's a big, athletic young man. Nothing fazes him,” added Tandy.

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“What impressed me - and I know I always go back to some club games - is that I’ve spoken to Johann van Graan about him a lot. I remember he had a start up in Leicester and it didn’t faze him, and I thought he was outstanding, particularly his work rate.

“A lot of young guys in the game now are quiet, but Louie has confidence in the way he communicates around the defensive set.

“He drives himself to be perfect. You can see the frustration from Louie when he trains. He wants to be the best all the time, and he's got an amazing attitude. He was unfortunate with a bump on his hand coming into the campaign, which held him back a little.

“But the way he's gone about his rehab to get back into this position... he was brilliant for us in the autumn without getting an opportunity. This debut is thoroughly deserved, and I think he's going to have a huge future for us going forward.”

Botham a “breath of fresh air” following international return

One of the standout performers in Wales’ loss to Scotland was replacement James Botham.

The Cardiff flanker came off the bench in the 10th minute for the injured Plumtree and earned plenty of praise from his head coach after making 15 tackles and winning a turnover.

“(He has been) excellent. He's been a breath of fresh air coming in,” added Tandy.] "His athletic ability has been outstanding, and nothing really phases him either.

“It was early in the game, and I thought his presence over the ball was excellent, but his decision-making was even better. It's a great opportunity for him to go back and replicate that performance this weekend."