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O'Mahony returns for Paris showdown

Ireland made just one change to the starting XV that will face Philippe Saint-Andre's France in a Six Nations decider at the Stade de France on Saturday.

 

Munster captain Peter O'Mahony has recovered from the hamstring strain that kept him sidelined for the Italy game and returns at blindside flank in place of Iain Henderson – who reverts to the bench.

 

Captain Paul O'Connell wins his 92nd cap and packs down alongside Devin Toner in the second row.

The Six Nations' leading front row combination of Cian Healy, Rory Best and Mike Ross will face one of their toughest tests against Nicolas Mas and Thomas Domingo.

 

Johnny Sexton will again lead the backline, having put his thumb strain behind him with a fine performance against Italy.

Conor Murray has also fully recuperated from the illness that saw him leave the field early against the Italians.  

Brian O'Driscoll is set to make his 133rd appearance for Ireland.

 

On the bench Iain Henderson provides cover for second row with Jordi Murphy covering back row and Rhys Ruddock dropping out of the match day 23.

Ian Madigan is introduced to the bench in place of Paddy Jackson.

 

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (captain), 4 Devin Toner, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.

Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Jack McGrath, 18 Martin Moore, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Fergus McFadden.

Date: Saturday, March 15

Venue: Stade de France, Paris

Kick-off: 18.00 (17.00 UK time; 17.00 GMT)

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Marius Mitrea (Italy)

TMO: Gareth Simmonds (Wales)

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