Ireland’s probable team to face France has emerged and fans are split
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Paris showdown.
Ireland open up their Six Nations account this week in the unusual slot of Thursday night as they get set to take on the reigning champions, France, in Paris.
Head coach Andy Farrell is without several key players for the game, with the likes of Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen all unavailable.
Gerry Thornley over in The Irish Times is usually pretty good when it comes to leaking the Ireland team before the announcement, and his probable selection has fans split.
The big one as always, is at 10, with Sam Prendergast set to get the nod. Interestingly, it’s seemingly a toss-up between Jack Crowley and Harry Byrne for the bench spot, with the latter showing good form this season.
In midfield, with Henshaw and Aki out, Stuart McCloskey looks set to partner Garry Ringrose, while Michael Milne is expected to start at loosehead.
Here’s the team in full…
Ireland (possible): J Osborne; T O’Brien, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; S Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Milne, Sheehan, Furlong or Clarkson, Ryan, J McCarthy, Beirne, van der Flier, Doris (capt).
Replacements: Kelleher, Loughman, Clarkson/Bealham, Edogbo, C Prendergast, Conan, Casey, Crowley/Byrne.
