Jamie Heaslip will start for Ireland for the potentially decisive Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff.
The British and Irish Lions No.8 replaces Jordi Murphy in Ireland’s only change from the 19-9 victory over England two weeks ago.
Heaslip suffered three cracked vertebrae when he was kneed in the back in the 18-11 victory over France on February 14.
Ireland: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Simon Zebo, Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Mike Ross; Devin Toner, Paul O’Connell (Capt.); Peter O’Mahony, Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip.
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Martin Moore, Iain Henderson, Jordi Murphy, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Felix Jones.