Rugby: Irish stick with winning side to tackle French in postponed game

Irish coach, Declan Kidney (right). Photo / Alan Gibson

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named an unchanged side for the re-arranged Six Nations international against France in Paris this weekend.

Despite several minor injuries, Kidney stuck with the same side that thrashed Italy 42-10 at Dublin's Lansdowne Rd last weekend.

Backs Rob Kearney and Gordon D'Arcy, as well as forwards Sean O'Brien and Cian Healy have all been named in the starting XV having recovered from various knocks suffered against Italy.

Veteran first five-eighths Ronan O'Gara, who last week became Ireland's most capped player as well as the country's highest points scorer, is again on the bench with Jonathan Sexton starting at No10.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell will win his 85th cap this weekend.

Victory over Italy gave Ireland a record of one win from two Six Nations matches this term after a last-gasp 23-21 opening loss at home to Wales.

The France-Ireland match had originally been scheduled for February 11 but it was called off by the referee minutes before the night-time kick-off due to freezing conditions and the dangerous state of the Stade de France pitch.

World Cup finalists France have won both their games so far in this year's tournament, against Italy and Scotland.

Earlier, France coach Philippe Saint-Andre made two changes to the team that beat Scotland 23-17 at Murrayfield last weekend.

Fullback Clement Poitrenaud replaced the injured Maxime Medard and flanker Julien Bonnaire was recalled after Louis Picamoles struggled in the lineout against the Scots.

England lock Courtney Lawes' participation in the remainder of the Six Nations is in doubt because of an injury to his right leg.

Lawes made his first international appearance since last year's Rugby World Cup as a replacement in last weekend's 19-12 defeat against Wales, but has what the Rugby Football Union says is "a painful inflammation of his right tibia".

The RFU says Lawes "has been advised to keep the weight off that leg ... before being reviewed in due course by the specialist".

- AAP