Paris (AFP)

The second line of South African origin Jean Kleyn has ousted the experienced Devin Toner (33 years, 67 sel.) In the final list of 31 players from Ireland for the World Cup (20 September-2 November), unveiled Monday by the Federation (IRFU).

The 26-year-old Munster player, qualified to represent Ireland two days before his first selection in August against Italy (29-10), was preferred to Toner, yet coach Joe's manager Schmidt, to complete a very attractive second line with James Ryan, Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne.

Schmidt took just two scrum-halfs: Conor Murray, who only played half an hour in all 3 games, and Luke McGrath (13), favorite to Kieran Marmion (27), despite in Cardiff and in November during Ireland's historic home win against the New Zealand doubles world champions.

At the opening, the boss Johnny Sexton and his lining Joey Carbery are unsurprisingly selected but if their full participation remains uncertain: the best player in the world 2018 took part in any of the three preparation matches, during which the second is injured (ankle). Carbery should be reinstated for the start of the World Cup.

Sexton is against Wales in Dublin on Saturday for the fourth and final preparation match of the XV Clover before the World Cup.

The N.3 is named Jack Carty (Connacht), holder during the successful success in Wales (22-17) and preferred to Ross Byrne (Leinster), involved in the defeat in England (57-15).

Hooker Rory Best, back in form against the Welsh on Saturday (22-17), retains the captaincy, despite severe criticism of his performance during the defeat against England (57-15). He will play in Japan his fourth World Cup.

Placed in Pool A with Scotland, Japan, Russia and Samoa, Ireland faces its main opponent, Scotland, first on 22 September in Yokohama.

Forwards: Rory Best (cap.), Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Sean Cronin, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Dave Kilcoyne, Iain Henderson, John Kleyn, Peter O'Mahony, Andrew Porter, Rhys Ruddock, James Ryan, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier

Back: Bundee Aki, Joey Carbery, Jack Carty, Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw, Rob Kearney, Jordan Larmour, Luke McGrath, Conor Murray, Garry Ringrose, Jonathan Sexton, Jacob Stockdale

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