sport news Leigh Halfpenny is recalled to Wales' starting XV for the first time in 19 ... trends now
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Leigh Halfpenny will make his first Test start in 19 months when Wales kick-off the 2023 Six Nations against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named his side for the Principality Stadium clash two days early, with Halfpenny the headline act.
The veteran full-back hasn't featured at international level since July 2021 against Canada - a game in which he suffered a serious knee injury.
Inside centre Joe Hawkins is another big selection by Gatland for what will be his first game back in charge of Wales since succeeding Wayne Pivac.
Halfpenny starts in the No 15 shirt with Liam Williams not involved. Wales confirmed Williams is not injured.
Exeter's Christ Tshiunza is also absent.
Young Ospreys midfielder Hawkins keeps his place in midfield after making his debut against Australia in the autumn.
Gatland said: 'We've picked Joe at 12. He's a lovely footballer with some great skills. I thought for his first cap he was outstanding, so we've given him another opportunity.
'There is some real competition in the midfield at the moment, so I'm really excited about that.
'There is a mixture in the team of some experience and some younger players. We were conscious as well picking the bench. We think we've got a bench that can come on and have an impact.'
Ken Owens captains Wales from hooker with Gareth Thomas and Tomas Francis the props alongside him in the front row.
Adam Beard and Alun Wyn Jones are the lock pairing with Jac Morgan, Justin Tipuric and
