Back-row balance the priority

JAMIE HEASLIP returns to the Ireland side to face France on Sunday as Declan Kidney bids to get his back-row balance right for the visit of the Six Nations champions.

Heaslip’s selection, the only change from the side that edged past Italy in Rome Saturday, comes after theLeinster star received the go-ahead from medical staff for his first big game since his province’s Heineken Cup home victory over Clermont Auvergne in December.

Heaslip needed an injection in his injured ankle to start that 24-8 win and subsequently managed just one appearance since, in the Magners League against Ospreys last month. But with the number eight combining with his provincial team-mate Sean O’Brien, who will start as blindside flanker, as they did to great effect against Clermont, Kidney will look to a back row that also features David Wallace at openside to contribute to a repeat performance against Frenchopposition.