Ireland have made three changes for Saturday's Six Nations finale against Wales as they attempt to win a first Grand Slam since 1948. Jamie Heaslip, the hooker Jerry Flannery and the scrum-half Tomas O'Leary return following the 22-15 victory over Scotland.

Heaslip, a try scorer as a substitute against the Scots, edges out Denis Leamy who is recovering from the shoulder injury he sustained at Murrayfield but is included on the bench. Ulster's Rory Best makes way for Jerry Flannery in the No2 jersey despite doing little wrong in Edinburgh.

Peter Stringer can feel even more aggrieved after being rewarded for his man-of-the-match display by being relegated to the bench. The Munster veteran Stringer created Heaslip's try with a superb break and his delivery was crisp throughout, but he has not done enough to be retained.

"The difference between the players is so small," said the head coach Declan Kidney. "The changes were partly for tactical reasons. It's about getting the right chemistry."

Victory in Cardiff would complete the Grand Slam and claim Ireland's first championship title since 1985. Wales must triumph by at least 13 points to successfully defend their crown.

Ireland team to play Wales

R Kearney (Leinster); T Bowe (Ospreys), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, captain), G D'Arcy (Leinster), L Fitzgerald (Leinster); R O'Gara (Munster), T O'Leary (Munster); M Horan (Munster), J Flannery (Munster), J Hayes (Munster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), S Ferris (Ulster), D Wallace (Munster), J Heaslip (Leinster).

Replacements: R Best (Ulster), T Court (Ulster), M O'Driscoll (Munster), D Leamy (Munster), P Stringer (Munster), P Wallace (Ulster), G Murphy (Leicester).