Joe Schmidt will name his team to begin Ireland's Six Nations title defence against Wales today [2pm] - with CJ Stander in line for an Aviva Stadium baptism of fire.
Stander, Leinster flanker Josh van der Flier, Connacht lock Ultan Dillane and centre Stuart McCloskey of Ulster were all called into Schmidt's 35-man panel for the first time last month, but the South African-born Munster back row's progress could be accelerated, with a full debut at blindside a real possibility.
Schmidt has had to contend with several injury headaches. Luke Fitzgerald [medial ligament], Cian Healy [knee], Iain Henderson [hamstring] and Peter O’Mahony [knee] and Tommy Bowe [knee] have forced him to consider other options.
Fitzgerald's setback could open the door for 23-year-old McCloskey to come in beside Robbie Henshaw in midfield, although the tried-and-tested partnership of Henshaw and Jared Payne would seem the more likely selection.
Flanker Sean O’Brien sat out training on Wednesday morning due to a tight hamstring, but is still in contention to start.
McCloskey's Ulster team-mate Andrew Trimble is battling with Keith Earls, Dave Kearney and Simon Zebo for a wing spot. Zebo could switch to fullback should Rob Kearney's midweek niggle prove to be more serious.
Bordeaux-bound outhalf Ian Madigan will provide the cover for Johnny Sexton after Paddy Jackson's release from camp to play with Ulster in Friday night's Pro12 clash against the Dragons.
Warren Gatland named his team on Wednesday, with Cardiff Blues wing Tom James set to make his first international appearance for more than five years.
Gareth Anscombe, Scarlets prop Rob Evans and Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric also start in an imposing and powerful Welsh lineup.
Wales: G Anscombe (Cardiff Blues); G North (Northampton), J Davies (Clermont Auvergne), J Roberts (Harlequins), T James (Cardiff Blues); D Biggar (Ospreys), G Davies (Scarlets); R Evans (Scarlets), S Baldwin (Ospreys), S Lee (Scarlets), L Charteris (Racing 92), A-W Jones (Ospreys), S Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), J Tipuric (Ospreys), T Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: K Owens (Scarlets), G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), T Francis (Exeter), B Davies (Wasps), D Lydiate (Ospreys), L Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Priestland (Bath), A Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues).
Follow Ireland v Wales live from 2pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Radio 1 and via the live blog on RTÉ News Now and RTÉ.ie.
