PROP Sisilia Tuipulotu returns to Wales’ starting line-up for the bid to get the Six Nations campaign up and running in Ireland.

Ioan Cunningham’s side are hunting their first win of the tournament after a frustrating narrow loss to Scotland in Cardiff and a predictable hammering by England in Bristol.

The head coach makes four changes to his XV for the clash at Musgrave Park in Cork on Saturday (kick-off 4.45pm).

Tighthead Tuipulotu, who powered over for a try in a player of the match performance against the Irish last year, returns after being on the bench at Ashton Gate while flanker Alisha Butchers and scrum-half Keira Bevan are also included.

Wing Jasmine Joyce was initially named in the XV to face England but withdrew because of a hamstring strain but is passed fit for Ireland.

Number eight Gwennan Hopkins is poised to become Wales’ fourth debutant of the tournament off the bench.

Cunningham said: “We have put the fallow week to good use and had a thorough debrief of where we are after the first two games in this Six Nations campaign.

“The focus has been on putting the hard work in and looking at the good things we have done and what we need to tighten up on against Ireland in Cork.

“We produced an impressive performance against England, and we just need to be more clinical and finish of what we are creating in games.

“Having a player of the quality of Jaz back is a real boost. She has that X-factor, and we will need all her experience against Ireland.

South Wales Argus: POWER: Sisilia Tuipulotu on the charge for Wales against IrelandPOWER: Sisilia Tuipulotu on the charge for Wales against Ireland (Image: PA)

“Sisilia gets a chance and the competition between her, and Donna [Rose] is driving them both and helping the team.

“Alisha made a real difference when she came off the bench against England and deserves the opportunity to start, while Keira reminded everyone what she can do and the competition with Sian Jones for the scrum-half shirt is benefiting the team.

“Gwennan Hopkins fully deserves her selection on the bench and is another exciting talent to have emerged during this campaign. All of us are excited to see what she can do at Test match level.”

Wales are currently bottom of the table but a win would give them a shot at repeating last year’s third-place finish.

They finish with a tough test against France at Cardiff Arms Park before finishing at Principality Stadium versus Italy.

Cunningham said: “We know Ireland at home will be a real challenge, but it is one we are looking forward to and we are determined to produce a performance to make everyone proud.”

Wales: Jenny Hesketh, Jasmine Joyce, Hannah Jones (captain), Kerin Lake, Carys Cox, Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Gwenllian Pyrs, Carys Phillips, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Georgia Evans, Alisha Butchers, Alex Callender (vice-captain), Bethan Lewis.

Replacements: Molly Reardon, Abbey Constable, Donna Rose, Natalia John, Gwennan Hopkins, Sian Jones, Kayleigh Powell, Courtney Keight.