Toner loses out to Leinster teammate as Ireland team named

Ireland have selected James Ryan at second row for their Natwest 6 Nations opener against France in Paris on Saturday.

Ryan, who has just four caps, has usurped his more experienced Leinster and Ireland teammate Devin Toner.

The 6’8, 108kg lock has made just 10 appearances for Leinster, the vast majority coming this season.

With the backrow fiercely competitive, Josh van der Flier has been given the nod at openside ahead of Dan Leavy.

There is no place in the 23-man squad for in-form Jordan Larmour.  Joey Carbery, who has made just one substitute appearance for Leinster since injuring his wrist against Fiji during the Autumn, is the back-up to Johnny Sexton and can play at full-back.

In the backline Bundee Aki and Jacob Stockdale will make their first 6 Nations appearances having impressed during the Autumn.

Ireland have only won once in Paris since 2000 and were defeated 10-9 on their last visit in 2016.

15. Rob Kearney (78 caps)
14. Keith Earls (62 caps)
13. Robbie Henshaw (31 caps)
12. Bundee Aki (2 caps)
11. Jacob Stockdale (4 caps)
10. Johnny Sexton (68 caps)
9. Conor Murray (59 caps)

1. Cian Healy (73 caps)
2. Rory Best (106 caps) c
3. Tadhg Furlong (19 caps)
4. Iain Henderson (34 caps)
5. James Ryan (4 caps)
6. Peter O’Mahony (42 caps)
7. Josh van der Flier (9 caps)
8. CJ Stander (18 caps)

Replacements:

16. Sean Cronin (56 caps)

17. Jack McGrath (42 caps)

18. John Ryan (11 caps)

19. Devin Toner (53 caps)

20. Dan Leavy (4 caps)

21. Luke McGrath (6 caps)

22. Joey Carbery (6 caps)

23. Fergus McFadden (32 caps)