Warburton winning Ireland fitness battle

Wales captain Warburton went off during the second half of last weekend's 20-13 victory over France in Paris.

He took a blow to his knee and was limping heavily immediately after the game, but the prognosis five days later is a good one, with Howley giving a positive medical update at the Wales squad's training base on Thursday.

Warburton will break Ryan Jones' Wales record against Ireland for most appearances as captain, with the Cardiff Blues flanker due to lead his country for a 34th time.

Ireland will arrive in the Welsh capital on Saturday week after winning their first three Six Nations matches this season to put themselves firmly on course for a Grand Slam.

Wales, though, are also in the hunt for Six Nations silverware after recovering from an opening defeat against England by toppling Scotland and France.