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13th January 2026
12:46pm GMT
Ireland take on France next week on Thursday, February 5 (kick-off, 8.10pm), in their opening game of the 2026 Six Nations, at the Stade de France.
Les Bleus are currently 13-point favourites, and this is likely to increase with Ireland's growing injury list that includes: Andrew Porter, Paddy McCarthy, Jack Boyle, Ryan Baird, Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan, while Bundee Aki is suspended.
Would our injury-stricken 23 be able to pull off a miracle in Paris?
The former Leinster man looks like he will be fighting it out with his Munster teammate Jeremy Loughman for the starting jersey.
The latter has crept ahead in their club's pecking order, but Milne has been in Ireland camp more recently; making his debut in the summer against Georgia.
The 20-year-old Billy Bohan has come out of nowhere to claim his place in the squad, and as the form man, there is a strong argument to stick him on the bench.
Thankfully, Ireland are fully loaded at hooker, with Sheehan getting back to top form with Leinster and Ulster's Tom Stewart pushing hard for the back-up jersey.
The veteran is nailed on to start, but he will be hoping he has a better day than his last outing in green, which saw the Irish front row crucified against South Africa in November.
Over the past year, McCarthy has graduated into a more senior role within the side, while his importance to the side has grown exponentially.
He's already a test Lions at 24, and a crucial cog for Andy Farrell, with his quick-burst carries and aggressive defence.
The redemption tour begins for Ryan in Paris, following his reckless sending off against the Springboks.
Like the rest of the pack, he will likely need one of his best games in green if Ireland are to cause an upset.
Munster's captain could start at lock, with Jack Conan or another filling in at 6.
However, Ireland are better suited with a top lineout option in the backrow given their struggles in this department.
The former World Player of the Year has been setting an example that his teammates should look to, after hitting top form in recent weeks.
His try against La Rochelle on Saturday showed a turn of pace which few knew he had.
The captain will be relishing another battle with his arch-nemesis Gregory Alldritt.
He should be back to his pre-summer form by February.
Age has not yet slowed the 33-year-old, despite calls from fans to find a replacement before the next World Cup.
He may have to play 80 minutes at the Stade de France, with Craig Casey an injury worry.
Given his superior Autumn and recent form, Prendergast is looking like the favourite to get the nod at 10 over Jack Crowley.
Harry Byrne remains a dark horse for the position as well.
James Lowe's dip in form could open the door for other options, although Farrell will almost certainly play it safe, especially given Mack Hansen's injury.
Stockdale has shown glimpses of his 2018 level over the past few seasons and has recently shone at fullback.
An easy choice at 12, despite competition from Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki.
The quality of a lot of Ireland's backline ball will depend on the carrying from the Ulsterman.
Ringrose is back for Leinster this weekend, which should provide him with some much-needed minutes.
His performance against the Springboks was a reminder of what a valuable weapon he can be in defence.
We would have had his Ulster teammate Zac Ward in here if he had made the squad, but Baloucoune is a great alternative.
It is harsh on Tommy O'Brien, but Ireland have been crying out for real pace on the wing.
The utility back may not be 100% match-fit for Paris, but Farrell is likely to throw him in even if he is undercooked, given Hugo Keenan's injury.
Stockdale, Jack Crowley, and Ciarán Frawley are all good option, too.
Replacements: Tom Stewart, Billy Bohan, Tom Clarkson, Edwin Edogbo, Cian Prendergast, Jack Conan, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley.
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