Andy Farrell has rewarded the type of teenager Joe McCarthy by handing him a begin for Ireland’s Six Nations recreation with France.
The 22-year-old impressed off the bench within the Rugby World Cup quarter-final towards New Zealand and has carried that kind into this season with Leinster.
McCarthy has been one of many Dubliners’ shining lights and, consequently, will get a possibility alongside Tadhg Beirne within the second-row.
James Ryan ousted
That means James Ryan, who was thought of one in all Ireland’s captaincy choices, makes manner and is positioned on the bench.
Elsewhere within the pack, there are few surprises for the France conflict with Leinster trio Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong as soon as once more linking up within the front-row.
Behind them at flanker are Josh van der Flier and Johnny Sexton’s successor as captain, Peter O’Mahony, with quantity eight Caelan Doris finishing the unfastened trio.
Speaking of Sexton, Munster’s Jack Crowley will get the primary shot on the fly-half jersey following the legendary playmaker’s retirement.
He might be hoping to nail down that shirt long-term with a effective efficiency within the opening match of the Six Nations.
Crowley combines with the skilled Jamison Gibson-Park at half-back, whereas he has Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw – who’s in for the injured Garry Ringrose – exterior him at centre.
In the again three, James Lowe has proved his health for Leinster to begin on the left wing with Calvin Nash, who wins a second cap, coming in for the injured Mack Hansen on the suitable.
The ever-reliable Hugo Keenan continues at full-back to finish a proficient XV.
There can be loads of high quality on the bench as Farrell opts for a 6-2 split. Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Ryan Baird and Jack Conan are the ahead replacements, with Conor Murray and Ciaran Frawley protecting the backs.
Ireland aspect to tackle France
Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony (c), 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Jack Conan, 22 Conor Murray, 23 Ciaran Frawley
Date: Friday, February 2
Venue: Orange Velodrome, Marseille
Kick-off: 21:00 native (20:00 GMT)
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
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