Back in action.

Andy Farrell’s Ireland will be back in action this weekend for the first time in 2021 when they take on Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Ireland recorded wins over Wales and Scotland in the Autumn Nations Cup before Christmas but lost to tournament winners England, as well as France in their rescheduled Six Nations 2020 fixture.

But there’s increased optimism heading into the opening round of this year’s Championship with all four provinces in good form overall and some really exciting young talent beginning to come through.

Speaking on this week’s episode of the Up and Under Podcast, Ireland veteran Jamie Heaslip said it’s an “exciting” time for Irish Rugby but noted that it’s also a “crucial” period ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup as Farrell looks to shape his team.

Heaslip also had a go with picking his starting XV for this weekend with retired back-rower going with an interesting selection, that includes Jordan Larmour coming straight back in on the wing and Tadhg Beirne partnering James Ryan in the second-row.

Have a look below and let us know in the comments if you agree with Heaslip’s selection or not.

Jamie Heaslip’s Ireland XV

15. Hugo Keenan
14. Keith Earls
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Jordan Larmou
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray

1. Cian Healy
2. Ronan Kelleher
3. Andrew Porter
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. James Ryan
6. CJ Stander
7. Peter O’Mahony
8. Caelan Doris