Rory Best, Iain Henderson and Jacob Stockdale are included in the Ireland team that will face France on Saturday in the opening round of Six Nations fixtures.
Captain Best starts at hooker alongside Cian Healy who is rewarded for his fine form and Tadhg Furlong starting at loose head prop and tight head prop respectively. Joe Schmidt has made a big call in the second row as James Ryan partners Iain Henderson. Devin Toner starts on the bench. Peter O’Mahony and Josh van der Flier are the flankers while CJ Stander starts at No.8.
It’s the familiar half back pairing of Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton while Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw are the centres. Jacob Stockdale starts on his familiar left wing while Keith Earls starts on the right. The ever-present figure of Rob Kearney starts at fullback.
Toner is joined on the bench by Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, John Ryan, Dan Leavy, Luke McGrath, Joey Carbery and Fergus McFadden. In particular, Leavy will be crucial when the game enters its final embers . . .
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