Ryan relishing debut

The 24-year-old is expected to turn out for Joe Schmidt's side after a string of impressive performances in the GUINNESS PRO12.

And Ryan's man-of-the-match performance against Edinburgh at the beginning of the month may have proved instrumental in his selection.

The young flanker scored a pair of tries to secure back-to-back league victories for the reigning GUINNESS PRO12 champions for the first time this campaign.

Ryan is expected to start at No.6 for Ireland despite being a more natural openside.

Schmidt has decided to partner him with Tommy O'Donnell and Robbie Diack in a new back-row combination.

And while the youngster knows he must impress on his debut he insists he will not be overawed by the occasion and will put in a hard graft for the team.

"Joe always talks about doing stuff to make the person beside you look good. It is not necessarily all about you," he told the Irish News.

"If you ruck and clean deep to allow somebody to get around the corner and score a try, he's going to see that. If the public won't see it, he'll see it.

"The thought of being there, lining up for the national anthems, it's quite an emotional feeling really, but I'm looking forward to it."

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