Sam Warburton will become Wales ’ most capped captain on Saturday after the flanker overcame a knee problem to be named in the starting XV to face Ireland . The 26-year-old will lead an unchanged line-up for the RBS 6 Nations tie at the Millennium Stadium , where Wales are bidding to keep alive their championship hopes and derail Ireland ’ s Grand Slam charge . Warburton , who limped off during the victory over France , will overtake Ryan Jones on his landmark appearance , leading out his country for the 34th time since making his debut back in 2009 . Sam Warburton ( left ) will become Wales ’ most capped captain after the flanker overcame a knee problem . Wales training during their open session ahead of saturday 's RBS Six Nations match against Ireland . Wales coach Warren Gatland smiles during the training session ahead of their vital tie . Gatland has named the same XV that beat France as they take on 'Europe 's form team ' in Cardiff . Wales head coach Gatland and captain Warburton face the media during the team announcement . ‘ Saturday is also a fantastic achievement and honour for Sam , ’ said Gatland . ‘ He has developed into the role fantastically and is a modern day professional . He is a role model that will continue to get better . ' Gatland has made just two changes to his matchday squad , with forwards Jake Ball and Rob Evans replacing the injured Bradley Davies and Paul James on the bench . ‘ We return to the Millennium Stadium after two tough away trips with two victories and will be looking to build on that , ’ said the Kiwi . ‘ We saw an improvement against Scotland and then saw another step up against France and we know we will need to do the same against Ireland on Saturday . Ireland are the form team in Europe and we know it is going to be a huge battle . ‘ The changes on the bench mean Rob Evans gets an opportunity . We have been impressed with him for his region and at training . Our strength in depth in the second-row is highlighted again as Jake comes back into the squad. ’ Wales lost against England in Cardiff , but have been better in wins over Scotland and France ( above ) Warburton has overcome a knock picked up against France to captain Wales a record-breaking 34th time . Leigh Halfpenny ( Toulon ) , George North ( Northampton Saints ) , Jonathan Davies ( ASM Clermont Auvergne ) , Jamie Roberts ( Racing Metro ) , Liam Williams ( Scarlets ) , Dan Biggar ( Ospreys ) , Rhys Webb ( Ospreys ) , Gethin Jenkins ( Cardiff Blues ) , Scott Baldwin ( Ospreys ) , Samson Lee ( Scarlets ) , Luke Charteris ( Racing Metro ) , Alun Wyn Jones ( Ospreys ) , Dan Lydiate ( Ospreys ) , Sam Warburton ( Cardiff Blues , CAPT ) , Taulupe Faletau ( Newport Gwent Dragons ) . Replacements : Richard Hibbard ( Gloucester ) , Rob Evans ( Scarlets ) , Aaron Jarvis ( Ospreys ) , Jake Ball ( Scarlets ) , Justin Tipuric ( Ospreys ) , Mike Phillips ( Racing Metro ) , Rhys Priestland ( Scarlets ) , Scott Williams ( Scarlets ) .
Warren Gatland keeps the same starting XV who beat France in Paris . The Lions will be without their two best players from last year’s World Cup – hooker Ben Morgan and scrum-half George Kruis - Warburton had gone off injured against France , but is fit to play . Ireland chasing a Grand Slam , but Wales still in with a chance of title .