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Earls set to face France

by Michelle Fortune , 09 February 2012

Keith Earls returns to the starting XV for Ireland's RBS Six Nations game against France on Saturday.


Earls was named at centre for the opener against Wales but was forced to withdraw from the squad after his newborn daughter was admitted to hospital.

He rejoined the squad on Monday and he will get the chance to prove himself when he partners Gordon D'Arcy in the Irish midfield.

Fergus McFadden benefitted from Earls' withdrawal but the Leinster man will have to settle for a place on the bench with David Kearney the player to miss out.

Earls is the only change to the side that lost 23-21 to Wales with Stephen Ferris included after being cleared of any wrongdoing at an independent disciplinary hearing in London.

Ferris had faced a potential ban after being cited for his tip tackle on Ian Evans in the final minute of the game at the Aviva Stadium last week.

Rob Kearney continues at full-back with Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble named on the wings. Jonathan Sexton has once again been named ahead of Ronan O'Gara at fly-half with Conor Murray selected at scrum-half.

Donncha O'Callaghan starts in the second row where he will partner captain Paul O'Connell, while Cian Healy, Rory Best and Mike Ross continue up front with Ferris, Sean O'Brien and J Heaslip completing the pack.

Ireland (XV v France): R Kearney; T Bowe, K Earls, G D'Arcy, A Trimble; J Sexton, C Murray; C Healy, R Best, M Ross, D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, S Ferris, S O’Brien, J Heaslip.

Replacements: S Cronin, T Court, D Ryan, P O'Mahony, E Reddan, R O'Gara, F McFadden.

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