Round 2.

Ireland boss Andy Farrell this afternoon named his team for this weekend’s huge Six Nations Round 2 clash with Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Farrell has made two enforced changes to his squad with Robbie Henshaw and Peter O’Mahony coming in to replace Garry Ringrose and Caelan Doris respectively with the pair ruled out through injury.

Keith Earls returns to the matchday squad but will have to settle for a spot on the bench with Andrew Conway retained on the right wing.

Here are the biggest talking points.

Keith Earls is back.
The Munster winger will be disappointed not to be starting but having missed the last few weeks through injury, he’s probably not fit to go 80 minutes. But he’s a competitor and has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for a long time now. He’ll be champing at the bit to get on and try and regain his place in the starting XV for the remainder of the championship.

Deegan to make his debut.
The Leinster back-rower has perhaps been overshadowed by all the talk surrounding his provincial teammate Caelan Dorris but the former U20s captain is a serious player who has been one of Leinster’s most consistent players this season. He’s long been heralded as a player with unlimited potential. Now is the time for him to prove that.

Henshaw out to prove a point.
The 2013 Lions tourist will not be happy with being benched last week and now has his chance to prove he should be in every starting XV regarding who is fit and who is not. Needs a big game with guys like Chris Farrell and Stuart McCloskey knocking on the door.

Will we see more from Ireland?
There were glimpses on Saturday but we need to see more from Ireland. It’s going to take time for Farrell to get his message across and implement his game plan but no matter how small it is – we must seem some progression. Some of the usual faults were still evident against Scotland and Wales will be a much tougher test. At the end of the day, Ireland will be expected to win at home. No matter who comes to town.