Murphy and Dempsey out of Wales clash

Geordan Murphy and Girvan Dempsey have today been ruled out of Saturday's RBS Six Nations Championship game against Wales due to Achilles and hip injuries respectively.

Rob Kearney will start at full-back for Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Wales after Geordan Murphy and Girvan Dempsey failed fitness tests today.

Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan was prepared to give rivals Murphy and Dempsey until lunchtime to prove their availability for Saturday’s Croke Park showdown.