Nick Tompkins will make his first international start against Ireland, after Wayne Pivac named one change to his Wales side for their Guinness Six Nations trip to Dublin.
The Saracens centre made his international debut in Round 1, scoring a try off the bench in Wales’ convincing 42-0 home win against Italy.
Tompkins takes the No.13 jersey from George North, who moves back to his regular position on the wing in place of Johnny McNicholl.
McNicholl drops to the bench, where there are multiple changes – including a recall for scrum-half Gareth Davies, who has recovered from injury.
Prop Rhys Carre, lock Adam Beard and fly-half Owen Williams are also selected and Pivac is excited ahead of the trip.
“Nick comes into the side, I thought he played exceptionally well when he came on last week so he deserves the start,” Pivac said.
“George, who played really well last weekend at centre, moves back out to the wing.
“On the bench we have a few players back available, Rhys Carre impressed at the RWC and he comes back in. Adam Beard comes in for Cory Hill who picked up a leg injury earlier this week, Gareth (Davies) is fully fit and Owen Williams comes onto the bench and gives us a bit more cover.
“Momentum is important in the Championship, it was nice to get a good winning start under our belts and hopefully we can build on that through the tournament.”
WALES TEAM TO PLAY IRELAND (Saturday February 8, kick-off 14.15)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (86 Caps) 14. George North (92 Caps) 13. Nick Tompkins (1 Cap) 12. Hadleigh Parkes (26 Caps) 11. Josh Adams (22 Caps) 10. Dan Biggar (80 Caps) 9. Tomos Williams (17 Caps) 1. Wyn Jones (23 Caps) 2. Ken Owens (74 Caps) 3. Dillon Lewis (23 Caps) 4. Jake Ball (43 Caps) 5. Alun Wyn Jones (C) (135 Caps) 6. Aaron Wainwright (19 Caps) 7. Justin Tipuric (73 Caps) 8. Taulupe Faletau (73 Caps)
Replacements: 16. Ryan Elias (10 Caps) 17. Rhys Carre (6 Caps) 18. Leon Brown (7 Caps) 19. Adam Beard (20 Caps) 20. Ross Moriarty (42 Caps) 21. Gareth Davies (51 Caps) 22. Owen Williams (3 Caps) 23. Johnny McNicholl (1 Cap)
