Sam Prendergast starts as Ireland team named for Six Nations opener against England

Michael Bolton

Sam Prendergast has been named to start at fly-half for Ireland against England as Simon Easterby named his starting 15 for his first game as head coach.

Prendergast gets the nod to start ahead of Munster's Jack Crowley, with both players starting two games each in November.

Ryan Baird starts in the back-row, with James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne in the second row, with Joe McCarthy ruled out.

Andrew Porter starts in the front-row alongside Rónan Kelleher and Finlay Bealham, with Tadhg Furlong out with injury. Dan Sheehan is on the bench after his return from an ACL injury.

Garry Ringrose starts on the outside centre alongside Bundee Aki, with Robbie Henshaw named among the replacements.

James Lowe starts on the wing after returning from injury last weekend, with Mack Hansen returning from his suspension.

Thomas Clarkson will make his Six Nations debut from the bench, with Iain Henderson named as the cover for the second-row.

Jack Conan will be hoping to make an impact from the replacements, as he is picked to cover the back-row.

Ireland team to face England: Hugo Keenan; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Finlay Bealham; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).

Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Thomas Clarkson, Iain Henderson, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw.