Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has released his squad that he hopes will retain the Six Nations title.
The 38-man squad features uncapped Connacht trio, Caolin Blade, Jack Carty and Tom Farrell.
British and Irish Lion Iain Henderson makes the squad after recovering from a thumb injury that was expected to rule him out of the entire tournament.
Veteran flanker Sean O'Brien and centre Robbie Henshaw have recovered from injury to make the squad.
Fly-half Johnny Sexton is expected to return from a knee injury in time for the crunch match against England.
Schmidt revealed that he has had issues nailing down his back row combinations.
“There have been a number of tight calls across almost every position,” said Schmidt.
“Those selected could well be joined by Dan Leavy once he's fully fit. With a cohort of young players emerging, it will keep plenty of pressure on the performances of the experienced back rowers who have been selected.”
Ireland Six Nations Squad:
Forwards:
Rory Best (capt), Sean Cronin, Niall Scannell, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Dave Kilcoyne, Jack McGrath, Andrew Porter, John Ryan, Tadgh Beirne, Ultan Dillane, Iain Henderson, James Ryan, Devin Toner, Jack Conan, Jordi Murphy, Sean O'Brien, Peter O'Mahony, Rhys Ruddock, CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier.
Backs:
Will Addison, Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Rob Kearney, Jordan Larmour, Jacob Stockdale, Bundee Aki, Chris Farrell, Tom Farrell, Robbie Henshaw , Garry Ringrose, Joey Carbery, Jack Carty, Johnny Sexton, Caolin Blade, John Cooney, Conor Murray
MATT WALKER
