Ireland captain Doris returns but Hansen ruled out

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Men's Six Nations: Ireland v France

Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday, 8 March Kick-off: 14:15 GMT

Coverage: Listen live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, Radio Ulster & BBC Sounds; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app; watch on ITV1

Ireland captain Caelan Doris has been passed fit to start Saturday's Six Nations game against France, but Mack Hansen is ruled out through injury.

Back row Doris missed the win over Wales with a knee problem, but returns to lead the Irish on his 50th cap.

Wing Hansen is out with a quad injury, having also missed the win over Scotland in round two with a hamstring issue.

Hansen's injury sees Jamie Osborne switch to the right wing after starting at full-back against Wales. Osborne, 23, has played on the wing for Leinster, but this will be his first time in the position at Test level.

With Ronan Kelleher still sidelined with a neck injury, Rob Herring is set to make his first appearance of the tournament as replacement hooker with Dan Sheehan starting.

Garry Ringrose's suspension means Bundee Aki returns to partner Robbie Henshaw in midfield, with the latter switching to outside centre.

Finlay Bealham returns at tight-head prop with Thomas Clarkson dropping to the bench, with Tadhg Furlong still ruled out despite stepping up his rehabilitation from calf and hamstring injuries.

Like Doris, Bealham and Jack Conan are set to win their 50th caps. Conan is one of six forwards named on the bench with Ireland opting to go for a 6-2 split for the first time this year.

"The team has worked hard again this week and the preparation has been positive for what we know will be a huge test against France," said Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby.

"There's great respect and rivalry between the two teams and it should be a cracking contest."

After announcing they will retire from Test rugby at the end of the tournament, Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray are all included for what will be their final home match.

Munster flanker O'Mahony retains his place after starting against Scotland and Wales, with Healy and Murray named on the bench.

"This weekend gives the Irish public the chance to mark the final home international appearances for Peter, Cian and Conor – three stalwarts of Irish rugby who help drive the highest standards in our camp," added Easterby.

Herring, Healy, Clarkson, Conan, James Ryan and Ryan Baird provide the forwards cover with Murray and Jack Crowley named as the two replacement backs.

It is the first time Ireland have opted for a 6-2 split on the bench since last year's loss away to England, a result which ended Irish hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams.

Ireland did, however, use a 6-2 split in last year's resounding victory over France in Marseille.

France, who named their team earlier on Thursday, have retained a 7-1 split on the bench having used the tactic against Italy last time out.

Ireland: Keenan; Osborne, Henshaw, Aki, Lowe; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Bealham; McCarthy, Beirne; O'Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Herring, Healy, Clarkson, Ryan, Conan, Baird, Murray, Crowley.

France: Ramos; Penaud, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Ntamack, Dupont (capt); Gros, Mauvaka, Atonio; Flament, Guillard; Cros, Boudehent, Alldritt.

Replacements: Marchand, Baille, Aldegheri, Meafou, Auradou, Jegou, Jelonch, Lucu.

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