Earls to partner D'Arcy in centre against Wales

Keith Earls has been given the vote of confidence from Declan Kidney to fill Brian O’Driscoll’s number 13 jersey for Ireland’s opening RBS Six Nations game against Wales in the Aviva Stadium this Sunday (3pm).

Earl’s selection means Andrew Trimble claims a hard-earned starting position on the wing having impressed at the World Cup and for Ulster this season while Fergus McFadden must settle for a spot on the bench.