Ireland name team for Six Nations opener in Paris
Jacob Stockdale started at left wing for Ireland
©PA
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named his starting side for the opening match of the Six Nations, with Ireland set to face France at the Stade de France on Thursday night.
Ulster pair Jacob Stockdale and Stuart McCloskey are included in the starting XV.
Stockdale starts on the wing, while McCloskey partners Garry Ringrose in midfield. Jamie Osborne has been selected at full-back, with Tommy O’Brien completing the back three. Jamison Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast are named as the half-back combination.
Caelan Doris will captain the side from number eight. The front row features Jeremy Loughman, Dan Sheehan and Thomas Clarkson. Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne line up in the second row, with Cian Prendergast and Josh van der Flier joining Doris in the back row.
Nick Timoney provides Ulster representation on the bench, which also includes Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Craig Casey and Jack Crowley.
Farrell said he has been encouraged by the squad’s preparation and is looking forward to the challenge of opening the Championship in Paris.
“I’ve been pleased with the application of the squad since we linked up last week and we’ve a good body of work under our belts from our training camp in Portugal as we face into an exciting test match against France," said Farrell.
"The Six Nations is an amazing tournament to compete in and it brings out the best in players.
“We have played at the Stade de France many times and it’s a terrific stadium with an incredible atmosphere.
“We know from our experiences on the road how proud and vocal the travelling Irish support can be and it’s a huge motivator for the squad knowing that we have so many Irish supporters behind us.”
Ireland XV: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Jeremy Loughman
Reserves: 16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Nick Timoney, 22 Craig Casey, 23 Jack Crowley
