The China Mail - Proud moment as Prendergast brothers picked to start for Ireland

Fly-half Sam, 22, retains his place in the side from the last two Autumn internationals, while flanker Cian, 25, is rewarded for fine club form with his first Six Nations appearance.

It could not be a more daunting debut in the tournament, coming in the cauldron of the Stade France on Thursday against the defending champions, who hammered the 2024 Six Nations title holders in Dublin last year.

"It's lovely. You can tell that they tried to keep it on the down low in front of all the team-mates mates, but I'm sure behind the scenes, at home, their parents are as proud as punch," Farrell told reporters.

The two had appeared together for Ireland before, but never both in the starting XV.

For Connacht captain Cian, it is just reward for some strong performances off the bench for Ireland in November.

"We feel he's matured a lot. The captaincy is certainly helping him, in Connacht as well," said Farrell.

"Taking the responsibility... away from just himself, and able to channel his thoughts in another way, has certainly matured him as a player.

"We were delighted with how he took his chance in the autumn, because he's another one who's been waiting for a big moment, he's been waiting in the wings for a good few years, so his time is now to be taken," added the 50-year-old Englishman.

With Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan injured, Jacob Stockdale is preferred to James Lowe at left wing, while Jamie Osborne will start at full-back.

Stockdale's excellent recent form sees him rewarded with a first Six Nations appearance since 2021.

"He's back to being himself this year, that's for sure," Farrell said.

"I think if you speak to him, he'd be delighted that he's just simplified things and got down to what he's good at, and that's beating people.

"And we've seen that plenty, certainly this season."

Osborne has only recently returned from a shoulder injury, but Farrell said that he had no doubt the Leinster back would be ready to face the French.

"Knowing his temperament, knowing how diligent he is within his preparation -- which is top draw by the way -- how he's acted over the last seven, eight days, and how he's performed in training, gives you a lot of confidence," said Farrell.

- 'Egg on face' -

With Tadgh Furlong still not fully fit, Farrell said he was not prepared to risk the British and Irish Lion for this game.

"To push and push hard for this game could have meant that we end up with egg on our face on both sides in regards to the rest of the competition, so we expect Tadgh to be fully fit for the week after," said Farrell.

Thomas Clarkson gets the nod at tighthead prop with veteran Finlay Bealham providing cover on the bench.

Jeremy Loughman starts at loosehead in a much-changed front row ravaged by injuries, as his Munster teammate Michael Milne starts on the bench.

Joe McCarthy is preferred to James Ryan, who is on the bench, to partner Tadgh Beirne in the second row.

In total, there are seven changes from Ireland's team that started in a 24-13 defeat to South Africa in November.

Ireland (15-1)

Jamie Osborne; Tommy O'Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Caelan Doris (capt), Josh van der Flier, Cian Prendergast; Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy; Thomas Clarkson, Dan Sheehan, Jeremy Loughman

Replacements (16-23): Ronan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Nick Timoney, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley

Coach: Andy Farrell (ENG)

A.Kwok--ThChM