Bundee Aki has been named in the Irish starting XV for their opening game in the 2018 Six Nations against France next Saturday (3rd February, Stade de France, 4.45pm).
Jacob Stockdale, Bundee Aki and James Ryan have been selected in Joe Schmidt's NatWest 6 Nations team for Saturday's opening clash with France in Paris. pic.twitter.com/Omd8n1LlFK
— Sportsfile (@sportsfile) February 1, 2018
It will be the New Zealand born centre’s first Six Nations game after impressing in two outings during the November internationals.
Aki is the only Connacht player named in the matchday 23 as Kieran Marmion lost out to Luke McGrath among the replacements with Conor Murray named at scrum half.
However, the Irish midfield pairing will have a Connacht feel as Aki partners Robbie Henshaw, reuniting the double act that led the Westerners to the Guinnes PRO12 title in 2016.
Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt has named an experienced team including 11 Lions but has also handed three tournament debuts to Aki, James Ryan and Jacob Stockdale.
Aki plays at inside centre for the injured Garry Ringrose with Henshaw moving to 13. Ryan replaces Devon Toner in the second row. And Stockdale completes a back three with Keith Earls on the other wing and Rob Kearney playing full back.
Rory Best captains the side and is joined in the front row by Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong. Iain Henderson and Ryan line-out in the second row with Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier and CJ Stander filling the backrow positions.
Murray and Johnny Sexton are named at half-back with Aki and Henshaw in midfield. The replacements are Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, John Ryan, Devin Toner, Dan Leavy, Luke McGrath, Joey Carbery and Fergus McFadden.
Here's the Ireland team to play France in the #NatWest6Nations on Saturday #TeamOfUs #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/lhgSCTfVjw
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 1, 2018
