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Published 08:27 17 Jan 2018 GMT
Updated 09:22 17 Jan 2018 GMT
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Keith Earls should also slot back in, on the right wing, and we were heartened by his blistering display against Racing 92 at the U Arena. Andrew Conway had an excellent Guinness Series and Schmidt has been pleased with his progress but he may be a bench option in the early Six Nations games.
Rob Kearney has solidified his standing within this Ireland squad and Jacob Stockdale is already a lock for the left wing. Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton had better stay fit over the winter months as Ireland need them fit to have any hope of pushing for the Six Nations championship.
Whereas the November assumption for the front row was McGrath-Best-Furlong, Cian Healy is back to something like his best [more barnstorming carries please] and is the man in possession. Jack McGrath will hope to dislodge him and got a good run for Leinster after Healy was suspended for an indiscretion in the Aviva Stadium win over Exeter Chiefs.
We expect Devin Toner will resume his second row services beside Iain Henderson for the trip to Paris but James Ryan can stake a claim with some big Champions Cup outings.
The back row was starting to hum, with Peter O'Mahony the dog, Sean O'Brien the menace and CJ Stander the enforcer. O'Brien's hip issues now see him likely to miss some, if not all, of the action. Dan Leavy is fit and firing again but Josh van der Flier should edge them, and Jack Conan, out for the back-up role.
Win in Paris, on February 3 next year, and Ireland then have three home games in a row before a March 17 date with England in Twickenham.
Replacements: Sean Cronin, Jack McGrath, John Ryan, James Ryan, Dan Leavy, Luke McGrath, Ian Keatley, Andrew Conway.IRELAND
Rob Kearney Keith Earls Robbie Henshaw Bundee Aki Jacob Stockdale Johnny Sexton Conor Murray Cian Healy Rory Best (captain) Tadhg Furlong Devin Toner Iain Henderson Peter O'Mahony Josh van der Flier CJ Stander
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