Not long to go now.

Joe Schmidt names his Six Nations squad today ahead of their opening round clash with France in Paris. Schmidt is expected to name a similar squad to the one named in November, with a couple of extra additions, namely Leinster prodigy Jordan Larmour.

The exciting young talent however, may have to bide his time to make his Ireland debut, with the Italy fixture looking like a more realistic goal should he make today’s squad. As for the France game, most of the team picks itself.

Keith Earls will likely be thrown straight back into the starting line-up given his current form, while Bundee Aki is expected to partner Robbie Henshaw, with Garry Ringrose out injured again, for at least the opening couple of rounds.

In terms of the pack, there’s no Niall Scannell again, and with Sean Cronin’s current form, we expect him to reclaim a spot on the bench. Jack McGrath is also hitting form at the right time, and should usurp Cian Healy and reclaim his spot as the starting loosehead.

In the back-row, Sean O’Brien likely won’t make the France game, and could very well miss the entire tournament. Expect Josh van der Flier to take his spot in the starting line-up, with Dan Leavy offering cover off the bench.

Probable Ireland team to take on France

15. Rob Kearney
14. Keith Earls
13. Robbie Henshaw
12. Bundee Aki
11. Jacob Stockdale
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray

1. Jack McGrath
2. Rory Best (Captain)
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Devin Toner
5. Iain Henderson
6. Peter O’Mahony
7. Josh van der Flier
8. CJ Stander

Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin
17. Cian Healy
18. John Ryan
19. James Ryan
20. Dan Leavy
21. Luke McGrath
22. Ian Keatley
23. Andrew Conway