The Ireland team that should start the Six Nations against France

Some unfortunate injuries in recent weeks have changed the make-up of our Ireland XV to line out in Paris next month.

Back in late November, we confidently looked ahead to the 2018 Six Nations and selected our Ireland match-day squad to face Guy Noves’ France. Eight weeks on and we’ve had to leave out the injured Jared Payne, Sean O’Brien and James Tracy. We picked Garry Ringrose to slot in for pain and then he got injured.

France also have a new head coach – Jacques Brunel. How times change, and keep changing.

At the end of the Guinness Series, Ireland coach Joe Schmidt spoke optimistically about Payne and a possible return to play. Almost two months on and the Ulster back has not come close to an active return.

The Ulster centre has not played since he was forced out of the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand with migraines. It was a shame as Payne had played two decent games for the Lions’ midweek team after, like many of his teammates, a slow start.

Payne’s last game for Ireland was an excellent outing as fullback in the final game of the 2017 Six Nations – the home victory over England that denied the champions a Six Nations. Bundee Aki has emerged as a genuine midfield option while Chris Farrell should also be in the mix.

Our original thinking was that Payne, once he proved he had transitioned back into full-blown action without any adverse effects, would play 13 but that has now changed. With Ringrose also in re-hab, we are pairing Henshaw back up with Aki.

Keith Earls should also slot back in, on the right wing, and we were heartened by his blistering display against Racing 92 at the U Arena. Andrew Conway had an excellent Guinness Series and Schmidt has been pleased with his progress but he may be a bench option in the early Six Nations games.

Rob Kearney has solidified his standing within this Ireland squad and Jacob Stockdale is already a lock for the left wing. Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton had better stay fit over the winter months as Ireland need them fit to have any hope of pushing for the Six Nations championship.

Whereas the November assumption for the front row was McGrath-Best-Furlong, Cian Healy is back to something like his best [more barnstorming carries please] and is the man in possession. Jack McGrath will hope to dislodge him and got a good run for Leinster after Healy was suspended for an indiscretion in the Aviva Stadium win over Exeter Chiefs.

We expect Devin Toner will resume his second row services beside Iain Henderson for the trip to Paris but James Ryan can stake a claim with some big Champions Cup outings.

The back row was starting to hum, with Peter O’Mahony the dog, Sean O’Brien the menace and CJ Stander the enforcer. O’Brien’s hip issues now see him likely to miss some, if not all, of the action. Dan Leavy is fit and firing again but Josh van der Flier should edge them, and Jack Conan, out for the back-up role.

Win in Paris, on February 3 next year, and Ireland then have three home games in a row before a March 17 date with England in Twickenham.

IRELAND

Rob Kearney

Keith Earls
Robbie Henshaw
Bundee Aki
Jacob Stockdale

Johnny Sexton
Conor Murray

Cian Healy
Rory Best (captain)
Tadhg Furlong

Devin Toner
Iain Henderson

Peter O’Mahony
Josh van der Flier
CJ Stander

Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, John Ryan, James Ryan, Dan Leavy, Luke McGrath, Ian Keatley, Andrew Conway.

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