Leinster lock James Ryan has dislodged Ireland stalwart Devin Toner to make just his second Test start in the Six Nations opener against France.

The 21-year-old will earn his fifth cap at the Stade de France, partnering British and Irish Lions star Iain Henderson in Ireland’s engine room.

Ireland captain Rory Best was challenging Leinster prodigy Ryan to step up as a Test match leader even ahead of his first full cap in the autumn Test series.

Head coach Joe Schmidt has now promoted the former under-20s skipper to Ireland’s senior starting ranks, to face Jacques Brunel’s new-look France in Paris.

Rob Kearney is set to win his 79th cap after he held off the challenge of Leinster’s Jordan Larmour to start at fullback.

Josh van der Flier gets the nod at openside flanker in the absence of the injured Sean O’Brien, while Luke McGrath has been named on the bench to cover at halfback ahead of Kieran Marmion.

Fergus McFadden’s fine form with Leinster has earned the wing a place on the bench, leaving him in line for his first Test match action since the 2016 Six Nations.

IRELAND: Rob Kearney, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Jacob Stockdale, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Cian Healy, Rory Best (capt), Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, James Ryan, Peter O’Mahony, Josh Van der Flier, CJ Stander. Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, John Ryan, Devin Toner, Dan Leavy, Luke McGrath, Joey Carbery, Fergus McFadden.