Garry Ringrose part of unchanged Ireland side to face Wales
Joe Schmidt, pictured, has imposed faith on Ireland side that played France
©PA
Leinster centre Garry Ringrose has managed to retain his place as Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt announced an unchanged team for the upcoming Six Nations clash against Wales.
Jared Payne, who was out of action for three months with a kidney injury, returned to action for Ulster last week but another hamstring strain forced him to miss the training on Monday.
Payne's absence meant Schmidt continued to prefer Ringrose at outside centre with Rob Kearney retaining his position at fullback after recovering from groin injury that he sustained during the game against France.
Ulster wing Andrew Trimble's hand injury has ruled him out of the Six Nations tournament with his team-mate Tommy Bowe taking his place on the bench which will remain the only change in the matchday 23 squad that won 19-9 against Guy Noves' men.
Leinster number eight Jamie Heaslip is set to make his 100th appearance for Ireland and 95th for Ireland.
Schmidt believes Payne needs more time in training and was also impressed with Ringrose's performance against France.
"That put him in the frame but he just hadn't had enough time with us," added the Ireland coach.
"Some of Garry's defensive work was outstanding against France. I thought his tackle on Guirado on the 22 when he closed the space so quickly, those are the things we see as growth points for Garry."
Ireland team: Kearney; Earls, Ringrose, Henshaw, Zebo; Sexton, Murray; McGrath, Best (capt), Furlong; Ryan, Toner; CJ Stander, O'Brien, Heaslip.
Replacements: N Scannell, Healy, J Ryan, Henderson, O'Mahony, Marmion, Jackson, Bowe.
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