**The opening round of the Guinness Six Nations saw a plethora of Guinness PRO14 players make an early impression on this year’s Championship.** This weekend’s clash between Ireland and Wales was always likely to be a keenly contested tie, and opening day wins over Scotland and Italy have only added to the intrigue around the meeting. Both sides will feature a number of players who ply their trade in the Guinness PRO14 - here are a few we think could provide the difference at Aviva Stadium. # Johnny Sexton Any fresh pressure which may have come with being appointed Ireland captain clearly didn’t play on Jonny Sexton’s mind as he led from the front against Scotland. The Leinster fly-half scored all of his side’s points as they claimed a tense 19-12 win over Scotland in Dublin and will likely be central when Wales roll into town this weekend. Andy Farrell will once again turn to Sexton to orchestrate Ireland’s attacks and Wales’ hopes could well depend on restricting the 34-year-old, although they have in-form Dan Biggar themselves… # CJ Stander Along with Sexton, CJ Stander was the driving force behind Ireland’s opening-day win as he produced a superb defensive display as well as his usual industrious carries. Two steals were the highlights of his performance with the second coming on his own tryline at the death to seal the win. With the visiting Wales always likely to provide a physical test, Stander’s defensive qualities could prove pivotal at the Aviva.
