Dublin (AFP) - Dan Sheehan will skipper Ireland against Wales in the third round of the Six Nations in Cardiff on Saturday in the absence of regular captain Caelan Doris.

Doris (knee), hooker Ronan Kelleher (neck) and prop Tadhg Furlong (calf) have been sidelined with injury. Furlong is yet to appear in this edition of the Six Nations. He also missed the November Tests because of a torn hamstring.

Ireland are the only unbeaten team in the tournament after victories over Scotland (32-18) and England (27-22), and victory for a team showing seven personnel changes from the one that beat the Scots would ensure the Triple Crown.

Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby named hooker Sheehan as captain – the 111th in Ireland’s history – with Jack Conan replacing Doris at No 8.

“Playing Wales in Cardiff is one of the great tests and we know the challenge that awaits us,” said Easterby.

“With a new coaching set-up in place, Wales will be re-energised and determined to impress in front of a vocal home support.

“There will also be a huge Irish travelling support which, when added to the closed roof and the great respect and rivalry between the two nations, will add to an electric atmosphere.

“We have made a few changes to the squad this week, some of which were enforced, and we’re confident that the 23 we have selected are primed and ready to go.”

Easterby added: “Dan Sheehan’s selection as captain is recognition of his high standing within the squad, both on and off the pitch.

“I have no doubt that he will relish the opportunity to lead Ireland for the first time.”

Easterby warned that Wales were “always dangerous”, also insisting he was 100% focused on Ireland after speculation linking the former Scarlets backrower to the Welsh job.

“You can read into whatever around the results and performances but at home in the Principality they’re a different beast,” Easterby said of Wales.

“We have to respect that. They’re playing in front of their home crowd, there’s huge passion for the game in Wales.

“Whatever has gone on in the last few weeks I think for them it’s been disappointing, but they’ll feel like this is a fresh start and they’ll be able to go and impress Matt (Sheratt) and instil some of the things that he’ll want the team to stand for and I think that gives them an opportunity.”

Easterby, in temporary charge of Ireland with Andy Farrell seconded to the British and Irish Lions, played dumb when asked over reports linking him to becoming Gatland’s long-term replacement.

“Of course there’s been speculation and that’s what it is, speculation,” he said.

“Right now this is my only focus… I’ve had no contact with the WRU. For me, it’s all guns blazing towards Cardiff on Saturday and make sure that me and the other coaches prepare the team, and whatever speculation goes on outside of that is outside my control.”

Jamison Gibson-Park links up with Sam Prendergast at half-back, with Bundee Aki named on the bench as Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw combine in midfield.

In the back three, Jamie Osborne is at full-back, with James Lowe and Mack Hanson on the wings.

Conan is joined by Josh van der Flier and Peter O’Mahony in the backrow, Tadgh Beirne and Joe McCarthy are named at lock, while Thomas Clarkson – in his first start – and Andrew Porter prop up Sheehan.

The bench features five forwards in Gus McCarthy, the uncapped Jack Boyle, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan and Cian Prendergast, while Aki is joined by veteran scrum-half Conor Murray and Jack Crowley.

Ireland (15-1)

Jamie Osborne; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Peter O’Mahony; Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy; Thomas Clarkson, Dan Sheehan (capt), Andrew Porter

Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Cian Prendergast, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Bundee Aki

Coach: Simon Easterby (IRL)