5 days and counting.

Ireland open up their 2018 Six Nations account on Saturday with a trip to Paris to take on Les Blues. Joe Schmidt’s men are favourites for the clash, given France’s recent run of poor form.

Jacques Brunel has taken over as France boss from the sacked Guy Noves, and will be joined Julien Bonnaire, Sébastien Bruno and Jean-Baptiste Élissalde in his coaching ticket.

Louis Picamoles was a surprise commission in Brunel’s squad last week, while he will also be without the likes of Morgan Parra, Camille Lopez, Mathieu Bastareaud and Wesley Fofana for the visit of Ireland.

Here’s the expected side for the visit of Ireland, with Matthieu Jalibert and Geoffrey Palis set to make their international debuts.