Ireland have called up Paddy Wallace as cover for Jonathan Sexton ahead of tonight’s RBS 6 Nations clash with France.
Sexton tweaked his thigh muscle during yesterday’s kicking practice in Paris and will be monitored over the next 24 hours.
If Sexton is deemed unfit to play, Ronan O’Gara will be promoted to the starting line-up with Wallace drafted on to the bench.
Tonight's clash will undergo a pitch inspection 90 minutes before kick-off.
Referee Dave Pearson gave the surface the all-clear yesterday afternoon but will conduct a further examination with temperatures forecast to drop to minus seven this evening.
The Stade de France pitch, which lacks under-soil heating, has been maintained at three degrees under covers, which are due to be removed around 6.15pm Irish time ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
It is feared the temperature could drop as low as minus 10, but a Six Nations spokesman has stated that the match is not under threat at this stage.
France winger Vincent Clerc declared earlier in the week there is “reason for concern” over the pitch, claiming sections near the touchline were frozen during last Saturday’s victory over Italy.
If as expected the game goes ahead, Ireland will be hoping to register only their second victory in Paris in 40 years, thrusting themselves back into the Six Nations title frame in the process.
They have failed to beat France in four meetings since their Grand Slam-winning year of 2009, which was also the only time they have won in the past 12 encounters.
Lions number eight Jamie Heaslip admits Ireland must produce a special performance if they are to prevail in the French capital.
“We’re expecting a tough old game. I’ve played against them several times now and it never gets any easier,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter where you play France, they are going to be good.
“They beat us three times last year, twice at home. They’re hard team to beat, regardless of where you play them.
“They got to the World Cup final and you don’t do that by chance.
“We never sit back against them and that’s why the games always turn out to be pretty exciting.
“They’re a hard team to chase, but we’ve gone close in the past. They punish you when you make mistakes.
“You have to cut out the mistakes and do your job to the best of your ability.
“It’s pretty simple when you break it down, but it’s easier to say than do it.”
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