Gibson-Park and Healy withdrawn from Ireland line-up

Ireland scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park has been ruled out with a hamstring injury with Ireland forced into making a late change for their Guinness Six Nations Championship clash against Wales in Cardiff.

Conor Murray is now due to start and win his 101st cap, with Craig Casey coming onto the bench. Ireland were already without Tadhg Furlong and Robbie Henshaw.

Cian Healy was also a late withdrawal, with Munster’s David Kilcoyne called up to the bench as loosehead cover.

? Team Update: Jamison Gibson-Park and Cian Healy have been ruled out of today’s game through injury.

Conor Murray comes into the starting team, with Craig Casey and Dave Kilcoyne named on the bench. #TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/gjav17LU3x

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 4, 2023

Meanwhile head coach Andy Farrell says Ireland’s preparation for a shot at Guinness Six Nations glory is the best he has ever seen as his side bid to begin the championship with a bang.

With plenty of expectation on his players and a World Cup on the horizon, head coach Farrell believes solid foundations have been laid.

Yet the Englishman insists he is not looking beyond Warren Gatland’s men and a tricky Cardiff opener at the start of a monumental year.

“We judge ourselves on our preparation and our preparation has been top-drawer,” he said.

“It’s been as good as I’ve seen it in regards to getting ready for any type of competition.

“Hopefully that continues and it can translate into a performance. It doesn’t really get any tougher than Wales first up.”

Asked what message he had given his players going into 2023, he replied: “Honestly? Just Wales. Just Wales. It’s a tough old game, you know?

“We’d love to start this tournament off with a bang but we know how difficult that is. We’ve full concentration on this game.”

Ireland won nine of 11 fixtures in 2022, including clinching a Triple Crown, registering a historic series success in New Zealand and toppling world champions South Africa.

additional reporting PA