Mike Ross and Cian Healy nearing return

Ireland are confident both Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney will be fit to face France next Saturday, and management could be set to receive a further boost with a possible return to action for frontline props Mike Ross and Cian Healy.

Tighthead Ross missed his first Six Nations game in Joe Schmidt’s three-season reign yesterday, as he continued his recovery from a hamstring tear suffered against Toulon at Aviva Stadium in December.

His absence from the 16-16 draw against Wales on the same pitch was keenly felt as Ireland, with Six Nations debutant Nathan White starting, conceded four first-half scrum penalties and conceded their only try when No.8 Taulupe Faletau launched himself off the back of another scrum three minutes before the interval.