​GLOUCESTER'S Gareth Delve will start for Wales in Saturday's Six Nations clash with Ireland at Croke Park.

The number eight will make his first appearance in a Welsh jersey since the 2nd Test v South Africa in Pretoria on 14 June, 2008 and his first start in the RBS Six Nations.

Delve will earn his 10th international cap alongside Ospreys blindside Jonathan Thomas and Cardiff Blues'openside Martyn Williams, who will captain the side in the absence of Andy Powell.

Wales coach Warren Gatland said: "This is a great opportunity for Gareth Delve, who we have been keeping a close eye on and who is also a leader himself. We feel we have a loose forward trio here who can be competitive."

Wales team to play Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday (2.30pm) 

Lee Byrne (Ospreys)

Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues)

James Hook (Ospreys)

Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues)

Shane Williams (Ospreys)

Stephen Jones (Scarlets)

Richard Rees (Cardiff Blues)

Paul James (Ospreys)

Matthew Rees (Scarlets)

Adam Jones (Ospreys)

Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues)

Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons)

Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys)

Martyn Williams (Captain), (Cardiff Blues)

Gareth Delve (Gloucester Rugby)

REPLACEMENTS:

Huw Bennett (Ospreys)

Rhys Gill (Saracens)

Ian Gough (Ospreys)

Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues)

Dwayne Peel, (Sale Sharks)

Andrew Bishop (Ospreys)

Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues)