Caelan Doris has returned from injury to captain an Ireland squad which includes the three players that will retire from international duty.
It was announced last week that Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray would depart the Test scene after the Six Nations and they have all been selected in the 23.
O’Mahony starts in the back-row while Healy and Murray have been selected as part of a 6-2 split on the bench as Ireland look to combat France’s forward power.
Injury to key wing
The main selection call comes on the wing with Mack Hansen picking up an injury that rules him out of the upcoming Six Nations encounter in Dublin.
Jamie Osborne, who started their previous match against Wales at full-back, therefore shifts from 15 to 14 to replace Hansen.
That allows Hugo Keenan to return to the side after interim head coach Easterby decided to use the Round Three contest to give Osborne an opportunity.
James Lowe completes the back three, while Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki combine at centre with Garry Ringrose banned.
Sam Prendergast and Jamison Gibson-Park are once again the half-back duo and they play behind a pack which sees two alterations from the Wales win.
Doris has returned from injury to take his place at number eight – joining Josh van der Flier and O’Mahony in the back-row – and Finlay Bealham is back at tighthead.
Tadhg Furlong, despite stepping up his training, is not deemed ready for a place in the 23, which means Thomas Clarkson stays in the squad.
Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy retain their places at lock while Bealham partners Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter in the front-row.
Bench selection
On the bench, they have opted for a 6-2 with Rob Herring, James Ryan, Jack Conan and Ryan Baird joining Healy and Clarkson as the forward replacements, while Murray and Jack Crowley cover the backs.
“Saturday presents another huge opportunity for the squad to play at home, in front of a packed Aviva Stadium,” Easterby said.
“The team has worked hard again this week and the preparation has been positive for what we know will be a huge test against France.
“There’s great respect and rivalry between the two teams and it should be a cracking contest.
“This weekend gives the Irish public the chance to mark the final home international appearances for Peter, Cian and Conor – three stalwarts of Irish rugby who help drive the highest standards in our camp.
“I would also like to congratulate Finlay, Jack and Caelan on reaching the 50-cap milestone. It’s a huge moment for them, their families and their team-mates and we will look to make it a day to remember for each of these players.”
Ireland team to take on France
Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jamie Osborne, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Ryan Baird, 22 Conor Murray, 23 Jack Crowley
Date: Saturday, March 8
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 14:15 GMT
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Matthew Carley (England), Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/ireland-team-retiring-legends-get-dublin-send-off-caelan-doris-returns-and-simon-easterby-makes-reactionary-change-to-combat-france
