The Ireland interim head coach explained the reason why he has selected Dan Sheehan as captain for the first time at Test level
Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby has dismissed speculation that he is in the mix to be the Warren Gatland 's successor as Wales' head coach.
"I didn't really know I had been linked," he said, wearing half a smile. "Of course there's been speculation but that's all there is speculation, I'm not in control of that. I love it here, I'm very fortunate with the people I get to work with here. For me, it's a dream job. Easterby has made seven changes to the starting line-up from the side that beat Scotland at Murrayfield last time out, with two of the changes were enforced.
"Obviously with Caelan not available we just felt it was a good time for Dan to grow that leadership in the group and over the week in how he handles that. He's captained Leinster so it's not something he hasn't done before." In the backs, Jamie Osborne gets his first involvement in this Six Nations as Hugo Keenan's replacement at full-back, Mack Hansen returns for Calvin Nash after missing the Scotland game with a hamstring issue, Garry Ringrose comes in for Bundee Aki at centre while Sam Prendergast gets the nod again over Jack Crowley at out-half.
"For Jamie and Tom, we think they'll thrive in that environment but until you're picked you won't know. It's an exciting challenge for those guys to come in and make their mark."
Ireland Rugby Union Team Wales Rugby Union Team Six Nations Warren Gatland Matt Sherratt Dan Sheehan Caelan Doris
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