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Ronan O'Gara has retained his spot at No.10 in Declan Kidney's Ireland side ahead of this weekends massive clash with France despite the return to fitness of Springbok-conquering flyhalf Jonny Sexton.

Sexton, who missed last weekends clash with Italy because of Italy, has been named amongst an extended matchday squad but, at best, will have to settle for a spot on the bench with Munster star O'Gara back in pole position.

Keith Earls meanwhile has been selected on the left wing in place of Andrew Trimble. Donncha O'Callaghan has not recovered from the injury that ruled him out of the opening game. Leo Cullen has been named to start in the second row.

A vacancy has been left blindside flank pending confirmation of the fitness of Stephen Ferris.

The Ulster flank took part in training with the Ireland team today but a final decision will be made on Thursday.

The seven replacements will also be finalised on Thursday from the possible nine players named today.

Ireland: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 A.N.Other, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Leo Cullen, 3 John Hayes, 2 Jerry Flannery, 1 Cian Healy
Replacements (From): Rory Best, Tom Court, Donnacha Ryan, Sean O'Brien, Kevin McLaughlin, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble.

Date: Saturday, February 12
Venue: Stade de France
Time: 16:30 (16.30 GMT)