Wales vs Ireland Live Reddit Stream: But that calendar year increasingly highlighted issues like lineout malfunctions which crept into the Irish play when previously it had rather been a source of strength under the Joe Schmidt regime.

LIVE GO NOW>> https://accesstvpro.co/rugby/

LIVE GO NOW>> https://accesstvpro.co/rugby/

So it's no coincidence that Paul O'Connell has been drafted into Farrell's coaching staff to look after the forwards.Given how recently he was brought in, the fruits of the former Ireland and Munster captain's expertise at set-piece and maul may not be felt immediately when the team take to the field at Principality Stadium on Sunday but expect to see tangible progress on that front as the Six Nations wears on.

While Caelan Doris' absence against Wales will be a blow, Ireland generally have the key performers available for selection - Jacob Stockdale's injury-enforced absence aside - although some like Johnny Sexton and Tadhg Furlong in particular have had their fair share injury issues in recent weeks and months.

A couple of new faces are in the squad with Munster scrum-half Craig Casey the most talked-up, having beaten Ulster's John Cooney for a spot in the selection.

Like Ireland, Wales' 2020 was also about transition under a new head coach with Wayne Pivac succeeding Warren Gatland.

However, it was a bumpier experience for the Welsh in comparison, with a string of chastening defeats across the spring and autumn including twice at the hands of Ireland, the only wins coming against Italy and Georgia.

Unlike 2020 when both fixtures were in Dublin, Wales will host Ireland on Sunday but without the advantage of a crowd due to the pandemic and with the growing pressure to start delivering results against direct rivals.

Some experience has been drafted back in like Dan Lydiate, but former Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris has poured some cold water on the back-row's potential impact, telling RTÉ's Game On: "I'm not sure about Dan Lydiate to be honest, I think his best years are behind him and I wouldn't have any bother saying that to his face."

Tadhg Beirne has beaten Iain Henderson to the starting second row spot, while Leinster wing James Lowe makes his Six Nations debut after his Autumn Nations Cup bow against the same opponents.

Tadhg Furlong who made his provincial return last week after a lengthy absence is on the Irish bench, while Josh van der Flier replaces Doris in a reconfigured back row and Hugo Keenan pips Jordan Larmour to the starting 15 jersey.