Wales will field an unchanged starting lineup for the Six Nations showdown with Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday.

Coach Warren Gatland was pleased with his side’s 20-13 win over France in Paris which kept alive their hopes of winning the tournament and had no problem giving the same 15 men a vote of confidence.

Flanker Sam Warburton, who went off after taking a blow to his knee during the French clash, has regained his fitness and will be able to break Ryan Jones’ record when he captains Wales for the 34th time at the Millennium Stadium.

The only two changes to the Paris lineup are due to injuries and come on the bench.

Uncapped prop Rob Evans replaces Paul James, who suffered a fractured thumb during the France game, while lock Jake Ball takes over from Bradley Davies.

A win for Wales would see them stay in the Six Nations title shake-up, while Ireland are chasing a a record 11th successive Test win against all opponents, and they have only lost twice in Cardiff since 1983.

“Ireland are the form team in Europe, and we know it is going to be a huge battle,” Gatland said.

Team:

Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Taulupe Faletau, Sam Warburon (capt), Dan Lydiate; Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Chareris; Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Gethin Jenkins

Res: Richard Hibbard, Rob Evans, Aaron Jarvis, Jake Ball, Justin Tipuric, Mike Phillips, Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams