Ireland head coach Andy Farrell believes he has done "what is right for the team and group" after making five changes for their Six Nations clash with Wales on Friday.

Following their 42-21 victory over England on February 21, Nick Timoney is set to make his first Six Nations start for Ireland, while Jacob Stockdale replaces the injured James Lowe.

Tom O'Toole and Ronan Kelleher come into the front row for Ireland, with Tadhg Beirne shifting to lock as Timoney and Jack Conan start in the back row.

Since their opening defeat to France, Ireland have beaten Italy and England to keep their championship hopes alive, though Les Bleus are still commanding favourites.

Farrell defended his decision to make five changes after their big win over England, as he looks to get a better look at some of his other players.

"I would say it's what is right for the team and group," said Farrell. "I'm making sure we find out about people who deserve to be in a shirt.

"Someone like Tom Stewart deserves to battle for the number two shirt. He has been outstanding in how he has conducted himself. So he needs an opportunity to show what he can do.

"You've other guys, certainly like Rob Baloucoune or Stuart McCloskey, who can back up good performances and make sure it is a consistent thing.

"We could go through the whole group, really."

Our team for Friday night. pic.twitter.com/avekU50RoH

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 4, 2026

Ireland have won each of their last four matches against Wales in the Six Nations, their best run in this fixture since winning four meetings in a row between 2001 and 2004.

In fact, Ireland have never won five consecutive matches against Wales in any iteration of the championship.

Ireland have also won 22 of their last 24 home games against European sides, with France the only side to defeat them in that period (2021 and 2025), a run which dates back to 2019.

Ireland team: Jamie Osborne, Robert Baloucoune, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Tom O'Toole, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Caelan Doris.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Michael Milne, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, Josh van der Flier, Nathan Doak, Tom Farrell, Ciaran Frawley.