Sexton given the all-clear

 

The 29-year-old has been an integral part of Ireland's record-equalling run of 10 straight Test victories, but was forced off in the closing stages of the 19-9 win over England with a hamstring injury.

 

However, he has given coach Joe Schmidt a huge boost by proving his fitness, with Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien and Jared Payne also cleared to play in Cardiff as the Irish bid for a first Grand Slam in six years.

 

No.8 Heaslip has been on the comeback trail from a fractured vertebrae in his back, while O'Brien and Payne are back following concussion.

 

Assistant coach Richie Murphy said Ireland now have "a full deck to pick from", adding: "Johnny took full part in training this morning [Tuesday], he has done all the team stuff and trained well. 

 

"Everyone else has come through, Jamie trained Monday and Tuesday so he's fit and healthy and ready to go.

 

"And the two boys, Jared and Sean O'Brien both passed their return to play protocols.

 

"They have done contact today so as long as there's no reaction over the next 24 hours they are both fit and ready to go

 

"Everyone is very upbeat, everyone enjoyed that session this morning, the intensity was right up there.

 

"Having everyone fit and healthy is a massive thing for the squad because it puts pressure on everyone. The environment gets a nice little buzz off that."

 

Murphy admitted Sexton is yet to go through goal-kicking drills at full tilt, but he has backed the playmaker to ease through the rest of the week.

 

"He's dealing with the rehab guys really, so they have him on a programme bringing him through that," said Murphy.

 

"He kicked a couple of balls on Sunday, did a little bit more yesterday and more again today.

 

"So he's in a good place, he trained fully and was running at 100 percent today. He will be ready for the weekend.

 

"His kicking drills, he's probably not hitting them 100 percent yet, but today is Tuesday, Saturday is a long way away. 

 

"He'll be ready to go."