A calf muslce injury has ruled Wales captain Ryan Jones out of the RBS Six Nations clash with Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday.
The Ospreys number eight's place goes to in-form Gloucester skipper Gareth Delve who will be making his first start since the 2008 tour to South Africa.
"This is is a great opportunity for Gareth Delve, who we have been keeping a close eye on and who is also a leader himself," current Wales and former Ireland coach Warren Gatland said.
"We feel we have a loose forward trio here who will be competitive."
With Jones unavailable veteran flanker Martyn Williams will lead out Warren Gatland's side as they bid to derail Declan Kidney's Triple Crown ambitions and build on their encouraging display against France.
Elsewhere, there are starts for Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees and Newport Gwent Dragons lock Luke Charteris.
Rees, who makes his first start of this season's Six Nations after recovering from injury, replaces Huw Bennett and Charteris takes over from an injured Deiniol Jones.
Wales: L Byrne; L Halfpenny, J Hook, J Roberts, S Williams; S Jones, R Rees; P James, M Rees, A Jones, B Davies, L Charteris, J Thomas, M Williams (capt), G Delve.
Replacements: H Bennett, R Gill, I Gough, S Warburton, D Peel, A Bishop, T Shanklin.