Rob Howley keen to avoid kicking contest as Wales have eyes on tries

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has hailed fit-again Ireland No.8 Jamie Heaslip as "an exceptional ball-carrier" ahead of his Test match return in tomorrow’s RBS 6 Nations showdown at the Millennium Stadium.

Heaslip has made a rapid recovery after cracking three vertebrae in his back during Grand Slam-chasing Ireland’s 18-11 victory over France in Dublin four weeks ago.

And he will line up in an Ireland side seeking its third successive win against Wales, and record 11th in a row, under coach Joe Schmidt at the expense of all opponents.