Sexton returns for Ireland to face France

Feb 23, 2017 - 3:24 PM Fit again, Ireland five-eighth Johnny Sexton returns to the side for France's visit as coach Joe Schmidt picked from a near full-strength squad in a bid to stay in contention for the Six Nations title.

Sexton, who has suffered a spate of injuries recently from numerous concussions to shoulder, hamstring and neck problems, missed Ireland's first two matches of the tournament with a calf injury, when he was ably replaced by Paddy Jackson.

Despite only playing two of Ireland's last nine matches and just three times for his province Leinster since October - failing to play more than 60 minutes on each occasion - the 31-year-old's experience will be vital on Saturday, Schmidt said.

"He was frustrated missing those first two and he's excited by the opportunity, and he takes a fair bit of responsibility as well," Schmidt told reporters. "He's obviously a leader within the team, and his experience contributes some of that leadership,

The New Zealander made two other changes after the 63-10 rout of Italy last time out, both in the front row. Prop Jack McGrath starts ahead of Cian Healy, and captain Rory Best returns after missing out on a 52nd consecutive Six Nations match through a last-minute illness in Rome.

IRELAND: Rob Kearney, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Simon Zebo, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, CJ Stander, Devin Toner, Donnacha Ryan, Tadhg Furlong, Rory Best (capt.), Jack McGrath. Interchange: Niall Scannell, Cian Healy, John Ryan, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony, Kieran Marmion, Paddy Jackson, Andrew Trimble.

Source: AAP