Ireland's Caelan Doris returns for crucial France clash

Ireland captain Caelan Doris has been declared fit to play in the crucial Six Nations match against France after recovering from a knee injury.

Doris, who was injured in the victory over Scotland, will lead his team as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the tournament standings.

Despite the boost of Doris' return, Ireland faces several key absences, with Mack Hansen, Tadhg Furlong, and Ronan Kelleher all ruled out. Hansen is sidelined with a thigh injury, forcing adjustments in the backline.

Furlong, a crucial figure in Ireland’s forward pack, remains out with a calf issue, while Kelleher’s neck injury means changes in the hooker position.

To compensate for these losses, Ireland has made strategic squad adjustments. Jamie Osborne is expected to provide cover for Hansen in the backline, offering versatility and stability. Meanwhile, Jack Conan, who has recovered from a back injury, is named among six forward replacements, mirroring France’s physical approach.

France hve made its own tactical decisions ahead of the match, with head coach Fabien Galthie opting for a 7-1 forwards-to-backs split on the bench. Additionally, Romain Ntamack has been reinstated at fly-half, signaling France’s intent to dominate physically and control the game in key moments.

“Saturday presents another huge opportunity for the squad to play at home, in front of a packed Aviva Stadium," said Easterby.

“The team has worked hard again this week and the preparation has been positive for what we know will be a huge test against France.

“There’s great respect and rivalry between the two teams and it should be a cracking contest.

“This weekend gives the Irish public the chance to mark the final home international appearances for Peter, Cian and Conor – three stalwarts of Irish rugby who help drive the highest standards in our camp.

“I would also like to congratulate Finlay, Jack and Caelan on reaching the 50-cap milestone. It’s a huge moment for them, their families and their team-mates and we will look to make it a day to remember for each of these players.”

Ireland currently lead the Six Nations standings with 14 points, three ahead of France. A win would put them in a commanding position to claim the title, while a loss could open the door for their rivals to challenge their dominance.

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jamie Osborne, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter

Reserves: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Ryan Baird, 22 Conor Murray, 23 Jack Crowley

France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Mickaël Guillard, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros

Reserves: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Emmanuel Meafou, 20 Hugo Auradou, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Anthony Jelonch, 23 Maxime Lucu