Jamie Heaslip has recovered from the fractured vertebrae he suffered after a knee from Pascal Pape © PA Photos

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Fit-again Jamie Heaslip has been restored to Ireland's starting line-up for the potentially decisive Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff.

The British and Irish Lions No.8 replaces Jordi Murphy in Ireland's only change from the 19-9 victory over England for Saturday's Millennium Stadium trip.

Heaslip suffered three cracked vertebrae in Ireland's 18-11 victory over France on February 14, and had feared his tournament was at an end.

The 31-year-old has pulled off an impressive recovery however to take his place for a match where victory will leave Ireland on the brink of a second Grand Slam in six years.

Lynchpin fly-half Johnny Sexton has beaten hamstring trouble to start, while Jared Payne and Sean O'Brien are fit to continue after beating concussion scares.

Captain Paul O'Connell will win his 100th Ireland cap in Wales, equalling Mick Galwey's record as the nation's oldest Test skipper at exactly 35 years and 145 days.

Sexton and prop Cian Healy can both notch their 50th Ireland caps against Warren Gatland's side, with Ireland buoyed by their record of just two defeats in Cardiff since 1983.

Leinster wrecking ball Healy once again takes a seat on the bench, with his club-mate Jack McGrath holding onto the starting loosehead berth.

Ireland can set a new record of 11 consecutive Test victories on Saturday, and leave themselves just Scotland to beat to complete the Grand Slam in the process.

Should Scotland beat England at Twickenham and Ireland see off Wales, head coach Joe Schmidt's side would retain their Six Nations crown with a round of the competition still to play.

Ireland's most-capped No.8 Heaslip suffered his injury after a crude knee to the back from Pascal Pape which earned the France lock a 10-week ban.

Ireland: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Simon Zebo, Jonathan Sexton, Conor Murray, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony, Paul O'Connell (c), Devin Toner, Mike Ross, Rory Best, Jack McGrath

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Cian Healy, Martin Moore, Iain Henderson, Jordi Murphy, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Felix Jones