Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Ireland's Dan Sheehan ruled out of pivotal clash with France in Six Nations

Reuters
Ireland's Dan Sheehan scoring a try
Ireland's Dan Sheehan scoring a tryReuters
Ireland made one change for Saturday's potentially pivotal Six Nations clash at home to France, with Ulster's Rob Herring (32) replacing Dan Sheehan (24) after the increasingly influential young hooker was ruled out through injury.

After following up recent victories over New Zealand, South Africa and Australia with a clinical week one win over Wales, Ireland face the only team in world rugby with a better record than them as France chase a 15th win in a row.

Sheehan joins fellow first-choice front row Tadhg Furlong (30) on the sidelines and his loss will be particularly felt in open play, where his speed and power has become an important part of Ireland's attack and defence.

The return of fellow Leinster hooker Ronan Kelleher (25) to the bench will help soften the blow. Kelleher has not played for Ireland since getting injured against France a year ago.

Elsewhere Conor Murray (33) is fit to start after a reported injury scare during the week. The experienced Munster scrumhalf was called into the starting XV at the last minute in Cardiff after Jamison Gibson Park (30) picked up an injury.

Leinster duo Andrew Porter (27) and James Ryan (26) are set to win their 50th caps and will be joined in the half-century club by Dave Kilcoyne (34) if the Munster prop comes off the bench.

Follow all the action from Ireland versus France on Flashscore.