A starting berth has been awarded to Paddy Wallace for Irelands opening six nations game. Wallace will partner Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll in midfield.

Wallace has traditionally being used as cover for Ronan O’Gara. It is considered a brave move by Kidney who has also made two positional changes. Ronan Kearney will start at full back with Luke Fitzgerald playing on the wing.

Kearney played out on the wing in the autumn games however many believe his best position to be fullback. Osprey’s player Tommy Bowe starts out on the right wing. There are no changes in the pack which lined out against Argentina with Flannery keeping Best of Ulster on the bench.

It will be a proud day for flanker Stephen Ferris who will make his six nations debut. Jamie Heaslip held off tough competition from Dennis Leamy for the number eight shirt. Gordon D’Arcy is back in the squad for the 1st time since February 2007. Mick O’Driscoll and Alan Quinlan failed to make the squad with Keith Earls out injured.

Wallace has been in superb form for Ulster this year and will pick up his 13th cap against France. His debut came in 2006 against South Africa.

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Team

Ireland: R Kearney; T Bowe, B O’Driscoll, (capt), P Wallace, L Fitzgerald; R O’Gara, T O’Leary; M Horan, J Flannery, J Hayes, D O’Callaghan, P O’Connell, S Ferris, D Wallace, J Heaslip.

Replacements: R Best, T Court, M O’Kelly, D Leamy, P Stringer, G D’Arcy, G Murphy.