CALVIN Nash of Young Munster has been selected to make his senior international debut in Friday night’s Six Championship opener against France in Marseille, 8pm.
The 26-year-old will line-up on the right wing, chosen ahead of Jordan Larmour.
Nash is joined in the back three by Hugo Keenan at full-back and James Lowe on the left, with Bundee Aki partnering Robbie Henshaw in the Ireland midfield.
Joe McCarthy has been named to start his first Six Nations fixture in the second row alongside Tadhg Beirne.
In the half backs, Jamison Gibson-Park starts at nine alongside Jack Crowley at out-half.
Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are selected in the front row..
Captain Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris complete the Ireland starting team.
Conor Murray of Garryowen is among the replacements.
The fixture is live on Virgin Media One television.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan; Calvin Nash, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Peter O’Mahony (captain), Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Tadhg Furlong, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Ciarán Frawley.
France: Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Yoram Moefana; Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucu; Cyril Baille, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio; Paul Gabrillagues, Paul Willemse; Francois Cros, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt (captain).
Replacements: Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki, Paul Boudehent, Nolann Le Garrec, Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
