DRAGONS lock Cory Hill misses Wales’ Six Nations clash with Ireland after suffering a leg injury in training.

The second rower came off the bench in the tournament opener against Italy but has a hamstring injury.

Hooker Elliot Dee, who missed the win in Cardiff with a rib problem, also sits out the clash at the Aviva Stadium and it is believed that he suffered a calf issue after returning to training.

Dragons flanker Aaron Wainwright retains his place at blindside flanker while Rodney Parade teammates Leon Brown and Ross Moriarty cover tighthead and back row from the bench.

Wales make one change to the XV with Nick Tompkins rewarded for a try-scoring debut against the Azzurri.

The Saracens centre’s inclusion means that George North moves back to the wing with Johnny McNicholl dropping to the bench.

Gloucester playmaker Owen Williams is preferred to Jarrod Evans among the replacements and fit-again Gareth Davies replaces Rhys Webb. 

Loosehead Rhys Carre gets the nod ahead of Rob Evans while Adam Beard comes in for Hill.

“We’ve made just one change after a winning start last weekend,” said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.

“Nick comes into the side, I thought he played exceptionally well when he came on last week so he deserves the start. George, who played really well last weekend at centre, moves back out to the wing.

“On the bench we have a few players back available. Rhys Carre impressed at the RWC and he comes back in.

“Adam Beard comes in for Cory Hill who picked up a leg injury earlier this week, Gareth (Davies) is fully fit and Owen Williams comes onto the bench and gives us a bit more cover.

“Momentum is important in the Championship. It was nice to get a good winning start under our belts and hopefully we can build on that through the tournament.”