Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris has passed a fitness test and will be in the side that takes on France in Paris on Saturday in a clash billed as the decisive fixture in this year's Six Nations.

Ulster blindside Ferris missed Ireland's 29-11 win over Italy with a knee injury but has recovered sufficiently to come back into the starting line-up at the expense of Kevin McLaughlin, who drops out of the match-day 22.

Ireland coach Declan Kidney also finalised his bench for the Stade de France meeting of the pre-tournament favourites with Rory Best, Tom Court, Donncha Ryan and Sean O'Brien named as forwards cover and Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton and Paddy Wallace covering the back line.

Sexton, who appeared to have displaced Ronan O'Gara as Ireland's first-choice flyhalf in November, is fit again following a thigh injury.

But O'Gara retains his place in the starting line-up after kicking four penalties and two conversions in Ireland's 29-11 win over Italy in their opening match on Saturday.

Keith Earls has been brought in on the left wing instead of Andrew Trimble, who also failed to win a place on the bench.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP