2011 SIX NATIONS: IRELAND v FRANCE
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Sunday, 13 February Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC Two, Red Button and online from 1430-1700; Commentary on Radio 5 live and live text commentary on BBC Sport website

Irish scrum-half Tomas O'Leary had been troubled by a stiff back

Ireland's first choice scrum-half Tomas O'Leary has been declared fit to play in Sunday's Six Nations game against France in Dublin.

O'Leary had been receiving treatment for a stiff back and the experienced Peter Stringer was drafted into the squad as back-up for Eoin Reddan.

Ireland take on favourites France knowing victory would give their title aspirations a mighty shot in the arm.

However, the Irish have to improve on their opening display against Italy.

Declan Kidney's men were rescued by a Ronan O'Gara drop goal as they sneaked a 13-11 success in Rome.

The French, meanwhile, dazzled in their 34-21 victory over Scotland.

Coach Kidney has made just one change with fit-again Jamie Heaslip replacing Denis Leamy in the back row.

Leamy dropped to the replacements' bench, with Sean O'Brien moving to blind-side flanker and David Wallace completing the back row.

Shane Jennings dropped out of coach Declan Kidney's match-day 22.

Ulster wing Andrew Trimble was not included in the line-up despite having recovered from a hand injury.

As expected, flanker Stephen Ferris was ruled out of the game through injury.

Ferris is still troubled by a knee injury so joins Tommy Bowe, Shane Horgan, John Hayes, Geordan Murphy and Marcus Horan in missing the game.

Jonathan Sexton of Leinster retained the fly-half position despite O'Gara's decisive drop goal against Italy.

Gordon D'Arcy remains as Brian O'Driscoll's centre partner despite a poor outing in Rome, while Cian Healy and Mike Ross stay as the props, with Tom Court having to settle for a place on the bench.

Ireland: L Fitzgerald (Leinster), F McFadden (Leinster), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, captain), G D'Arcy (Leinster), K Earls (Munster), J Sexton (Leinster), T O'Leary (Munster); C Healy (Leinster), R Best (Ulster), M Ross (Leinster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), S O'Brien (Leinster), D Wallace (Munster), J Heaslip (Leinster).

Replacements: S Cronin (Connacht), T Court (Ulster), L Cullen (Leinster), D Leamy (Munster), E Reddan (Leinster), R O'Gara (Munster), P Wallace (Ulster).

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