Ireland turn to youth in bid for a fresh start

The tournament kicks off at Cardiff Arms Park with both teams having plenty to prove. Ireland, who hand a first start to 18-year-old prop Sadhbh Mcgrath, are shorn of a slew of Sevens players and play their first Test since August, having missed the World Cup. Wales have been preparing amid the backdrop of chaos in their home union, but will hope having a whole year as full-time professionals, combined with home advantage, will propel them to a repeat of last year’s win in Dublin. The hosts, who lost in the World Cup quarter-finals to New Zealand, boast an experienced side with centre Hannah Jones continuing as captain while Ireland have named Six Nations debutants Méabh Deely, Aoife Dalton and Natasja Behan among their backs.