Cooper expects a test

Gareth Cooper makes his first appearance at Lansdowne Road on Sunday expecting a battle of wits with Ireland scrum-half Peter Stringer.

The Wales and Celtic Warriors No9 said: 'Peter Stringer is a good player. His service is sharp and he gets the back line moving really well. He is like a little general and it's going to be difficult to get hands on him, he is so sharp.'

Cooper is expecting a more stern challenge all round following the 23-10 victory over Scotland last Saturday, even though Ireland lost to France 35-17 in Paris the same day.

He said: 'We were pleased with our performance against Scotland but we know this weekend is going to be a more difficult challenge. You have to look at this week rather than looking back.'

Cooper is part of an unchanged back line, though four changes have been made in the pack. The most curious is the axing of Duncan Jones for Iestyn Thomas at loosehead prop. The other three changes are injury-related. Robin McBryde and Robert Sidoli return after missing Scotland with back and groin injuries respectively. Skipper Colin Charvis is out with a dislocated finger.