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No Sexton or Murray for French clash

No Sexton or Murray for French clash

Injury and suspension has forced Ireland head coach Andy Farrell to make eight changes to his matchday squad for the visit of France in the Six Nations

With neither Jonathan Sexton or Conor Murray are in the in the matchday squad, Billy Burns and Jamieson Gibson Park start.

Iain Henderson will captain the side for the first time, from the second row alongside Tadhg Beirne, with James Ryan not fit to play.

As expected, Rhys Ruddock starts in the back row in place of the suspended Peter O'Mahony.

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For the French there's two changes from the starting XV that enjoyed a comfortable win over Italy in the opening round.

Head coach Fabien Galthié has picked Clermont winger Damien Penaud, and Castres' Anthony Jelonch to replace Teddy Thomas et Dylan Cretin respectively.

"Damian Penaud gives us a height that allows us to compete in the lineout, and respond to the aerial threat that the Irish possess." said Galthié to French outlet l'Équipe earlier today.

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