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Best returns to captain Ireland against France

Inpho
Rory Best is back to captain a much-changed Ireland side for Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with France.

Rory Best is back to captain a much-changed Ireland side for Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with France.

The Ulsterman replaces Sean Cronin in one of seven changes, with Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier also recalled as the defending champions seek their third win of the 2019 Championship.

Schmidt has made six alterations to his pack in an effort to tackle to heavy France’s heavy forwards, with prop Cian Healy back in a front row which also features Tadhg Furlong.

Iain Henderson and James Ryan form an all-new lock partnership, while Van der Flier replaces Sean O’Brien at openside flanker and CJ Stander comes in for Jordi Murphy after recovering from a facial injury.

There is only one change in the backs, with outside centre Ringrose fit again following a two-game absence to replace Chris Farrell.

On the replacements bench, Jordan Larmour returns while John Cooney retains his place as the back-up scrum-half over Kieran Marmion.

Jack Carty, who made his Test debut in the Round Three win against Italy, will once again provide an alternative to starting fly-half Johnny Sexton.

Ireland team to play France at the Aviva Stadium:

15. Rob Kearney (Leinster) 14. Keith Earls (Munster) 13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster) 12. Bundee Aki (Connacht) 11. Jacob Stockdale (Ulster) 10. Johnny Sexton (Leinster) 9. Conor Murray (Munster) 1. Cian Healy (Leinster) 2. Rory Best (Ulster) 3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster) 4. Iain Henderson (Ulster) 5. James Ryan (Leinster) 6. Peter O’Mahony (Munster) 7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster) 8. CJ Stander (Munster)

Replacements: 16. Niall Scannell (Munster) 17. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster) 18. John Ryan (Munster) 19. Ultan Dillane (Connacht) 20. Jack Conan (Leinster) 21. John Cooney (Ulster) 22. Jack Carty (Connacht) 23. Jordan Larmour (Leinster)