The China Mail - Six Nations strugglers Wales make three changes for Ireland clash

Injuries see fly-half Dan Edwards, who started the opening two games against England and France, replace Sam Costelow, with James Botham in for Taine Plumtree as the back-row makes his first start of the tournament.

Alex Mann switches to blindside flanker to accommodate Cardiff team-mate Botham, the grandson of England cricket great Ian Botham.

Ellis Mee also returns on the wing in place of Gabriel Hamer-Webb, who made his Test debut in an agonising 26-23 loss at home to Scotland last time out -- Wales' 14th successive Six Nations defeat.

Bath centre Louie Hennessey could win his first cap after being named on the bench for the clash at Dublin's Lansdowne Road.

"There are a couple of enforced changes this week due to injury and then Ellis had played well in the opening couple of rounds, so we feel he deserves the opportunity again," said Wales coach Steve Tandy as he announced his side on Wednesday.

"This week it's about backing up the performance against Scotland.

"Going away from home is a different type of environment for our group, but the focus for us is really improving on what we did last game."

Wales led 17-5 at half-time against Scotland and appeared poised for a first Six Nations win in three years until their opponents ran in three second-half tries, including the winning score with five minutes remaining.

"I thought the defence against Scotland was much improved, so we definitely want to double down on that going to Ireland," added Tandy.

"You see how they keep the ball in possession, they play lots of passes so we know we're going to have to build and improve from the other week."

Ireland, still in title contention after beating both Italy and England following a first-round loss to leaders France, have not lost at home to Wales in the Six Nations since 2012.

Coach Andy Farrell is due to name his Ireland side later Wednesday.

Wales (15-1)

Louis Rees-Zammit; Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Aaron Wainwright, James Botham, Alex Mann; Ben Carter, Dafydd Jenkins; Tomas Francis, Dewi Lake (capt), Rhys Carre

Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Adam Beard, Olly Cracknell, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Louie Hennessey

Coach: Steve Tandy (WAL)

A.Kwok--ThChM