Ireland head coach Declan Kidney has named a strong starting side for Saturday’s Six Nations opener against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
Kidney has recalled four key players who missed-out on the November International Series through injury.
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Brian O’Driscoll, Rob Kearney, Sean O’Brien and Rory Best have all been restored to the team.
O’Driscoll’s return means that Keith Earls has to make-do with a place on the bench as Craig Gilroy and Simon Zebo start on the wings.
Meanwhile, Peter O’Mahony will start at blindside flanker for Ireland on Saturday.
Also today, the IRFU announced that the Munster forward has agreed a new contract that will keep him with the province up until 2015.
