O'Sullivan explains tough decisions

Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan revealed Simon Easterby's experience of playing in Wales was a crucial factor in his selection at blindside flanker for Sunday's RBS 6 Nations opener at the Millennium Stadium.

Easterby, who plays his club rugby for the Llanelli Scarlets, edged out Neil Best for the number six jersey in one of many tight calls O'Sullivan made for the Cardiff clash.

Leinster's Girvan Dempsey starts at full-back to win his 70th Test cap with Denis Hickie on one wing and Andrew Trimble returning on the other.

As a result, Leicester's Geordan Murphy must satisfy himself with a place on the bench.

O'Sullivan said: 'There were a few tight calls in there. Obviously the number six was a tight call.

'I think Simon has just got the edge (over Best) at the moment. He is an established lineout jumper, he has been in good form and the fact we are playing Wales was a factor as well.

'It comes down to minutiae when you are talking about players of that calibre. Somebody has to make that decision.

'It was a form selection. It was the other way round in the autumn.'

Dempsey sealed the full-back jersey with his performances for Leinster over Christmas after returning from an ankle injury.

O'Sullivan preferred Hickie on the left wing and, with Shane Horgan out injured, he opted for Trimble ahead of Murphy on the right.

'Choosing the final back three was a tight call and Geordan Murphy is not far away,' said O'Sullivan.

'Girvan has been very, very good. His form over Christmas has been excellent. Denis' form has been excellent. It was a tough call on the other wing between Andrew and Geordan.

'Geordan is more of an elusive runner and Andrew is more of a power runner. It was just about getting the back three package together to go after Wales.'

Peter Stringer returns to the side at scrum-half with Isaac Boss amongst the replacements while, up front, Marcus Horan packs down at loose-head prop.

Rory Best continues at hooker with Jerry Flannery, who missed the autumn internationals with a shoulder injury, named on the bench.

Malcolm O'Kelly was not considered because of a knee injury, allowing Munster lock Mick O'Driscoll to earn a spot amongst the replacements.

Ireland head into the championship as favourites to win their first title since 1985 after autumn wins over South Africa and the Wallabies.