Ruddock relies on experience
Mike Ruddock’s experienced side includes a second row pairing of Daniel Qualter and Iain Henderson with Aaron Conneely in the back row.
Centre JJ Hanrahan makes a return to the side from last year along with Sam Coghlan-Murray, who has been named on the wing.
Kieran Marmion partners Paddy Jackson at scrum-half and outhalf respectively. Jackson will also captain the side.
Ruddock said “We are all looking forward to the start of the 6 Nations. It is always a tough test against Wales but preparations have been first-class and we are confident we have prepared as best as we can.”
IRELAND U20: S Layden (Buccaneers, Connacht), B Daly (UCD, Leinster), F Horan (Lansdowne, Leinster), JJ Hanrahan (UL Bohemian, Munster), S Coghlan-Murray (UCD, Leinster), P Jackson (Dungannon, Ulster) (C), K Marmion (Corinthians, Connacht), K McCall (Ballynahinch, Ulster), N Scannell (Dolphin, Munster), P Reilly (Lansdowne, Leinster), I Henderson (QUB, Ulster), D Qualter (Buccaneers, Connacht), C Gilsenan (UCD, Leinster), A Conneely (Corinthians, Connacht), J Conan (Old Belvedere, Leinster).
Replacements: D Merrey (Clontarf, Leinster), J Rael (Garryowen, Munster), J Cawley (Leinster), T Beirne (Lansdowne, Leinster), J Coghlan (UCD, Leinster), L McGrath (UCD, Leinster), C Marsh (Dublin University, Leinster), C Farrell (Dungannon, Ulster).