Wallace in line for central role

ULSTER’s Paddy Wallace may get the nod to start at centre for Ireland when Declan Kidney today names his first Six Nations XV for the clash with France at Croke Park on Saturday.

With Gordon D’Arcy not a consideration due to lack of quality game time, Kidney is mulling over a midfield partner for captain Brian O’Driscoll and may opt to select the Ulster man, a natural inside centre, at 12.

That would release Luke Fitzgerald to the wing, on the assumption Leinster’s Rob Kearney is selected ahead of the more experienced Girvan Dempsey and Geordan Murphy at full back. With Tommy Bowe favoured for selection on the left wing, that could mean Munster starlet Keith Earls may have to wait for his Six Nations debut.