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Wales recall Biggar, Halfpenny, Williams, but not Faletau for Ireland clash

Dan Biggar will make his first appearance of the 2018 Six Nations following a shoulder injury. Stu Forster/Getty Images

Wales coach Warren Gatland has recalled Dan Biggar, Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams to his starting XV for the Six Nations clash with Ireland Saturday.

But there is no place in the 23-man matchday squad for Bath back row Taulupe Faletau, after Gatland named an unchanged forward pack for the trip to Dublin.

Fly-half Biggar has recovered from the shoulder injury that kept him out of the games with Scotland and England to start, and with Gareth Anscombe retained on the bench, Rhys Patchell drops out of the squad altogether.

Anscombe started the 12-6 defeat to England at fullback but regular No. 15 Halfpenny is fit to play following a foot infection, and will line up alongside Saracens wing Williams and Steff Evans in the back three.

George North, who made his own return from injury at Twickenham, is named on the bench, meaning there is no place in the 23 for Worcester wing Josh Adams.

"It is great to be able to bring so much experience back into the starting XV and into the backline," Gatland said, ahead of his 100th game in charge of Wales.

"It is the first week we have had everyone in the 'green' in terms of availability which is a nice luxury to have and a positive ahead of what is a very important Test match against a very good Ireland side."

Wales squad to face Ireland:

Halfpenny, L. Williams, S. Williams, Parkes, S. Evans, Biggar, G. Davies; R. Evans, Owens, Lee, Hill, A.W. Jones (captain), Shingler, Navidi, Moriarty.

Replacements: Dee, W. Jones, Francis, B. Davies, Tipuric, A. Davies, Anscombe, North.