Rugby: Ireland makes seven changes for Cardiff trip

Ireland coach Warren Gatland has recalled Munster captain Mick Galwey after making wholesale changes for Saturday's Six Nations Championship clash with Wales in Cardiff.

Gatland had made seven changes from the side humbled by Scotland at Murrayfield last month in a bid to get Ireland's campaign back on track and also save his job.

Alongside veteran second row Galwey, Gary Longwell, David Wallace, Eric Miller, Kevin Maggs, Peter Stringer and David Humphries have also got the nod.

Munster star Ronan O'Gara is the major casualty despite man-of-the-match Heineken Cup performances against Castres and Harlequins, with Ulster's in-form Humphreys taking over at fly-half.

But O'Gara's Munster half-back partner Stringer is included, replacing Guy Easterby at number nine after the Llanelli man's poor showing against the Scots.

Also out go the entire second row of Malcolm O'Kelly and Jeremy Davidson and back row forward Kieron Dawson, with the injured Simon Easterby replaced by Miller.

Gatland said, "We have picked a team to beat Wales, a team that we feel can do a job in Cardiff. There are seven changes, changes we felt needed to be made.

"We have gone for players in form, with David Humphreys in ahead of Ronan on the basis of how well he played for Ulster last Friday. The players know this is a big game for us. We need to get our momentum going again."

Bath centre Maggs is recalled at centre with Shane Horgan returning to the wing in the absence of injured Leicester star Geordan Murphy.