sport news

Keith Earls has been selected on Ireland's left wing in place of injured Andrew Trimble for Saturday's crunch Six Nations clash with France in Paris.

Coach Declan Kidney has not yet confirmed his blindside flanker as he is waiting to see if Stephen Ferris will be passed fit for the match.

Ronan O'Gara keeps the fly-half jersey despite the expected return to fitness of Jonathan Sexton, and in the second row Leo Cullen again starts as Donncha O'Callaghan has not recovered from injury.

Kidney will confirm his starting XV, including his replacements, on Thursday.

Trimble, who started in the 29-11 victory over Italy, could yet feature on the bench if he passes a fitness test.

If Ferris is fit he will play, but if not Leinster No 6 Kevin McLaughlin, who made his debut against the Azzurri, will continue to deputise for the Lions flanker.

Ireland: Kearney, Bowe, O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, Earls, O'Gara, O'Leary, Healy, Flannery, Hayes, Cullen, O'Connell, TBC, D Wallace, Heaslip Reps from: R Best, Court, Ryan, O'Brien, McLaughlin, Reddan, Sexton, P Wallace, Trimble