Osborne's versatility the key to Easterby's approach to French crunch

Leinster utility man comes in for injured Mack Hansen but also offers Ireland interim coach room for a 6-2 bench split for potential decider

CENTRE OF ATTENTION: Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby speaks to the media during an Ireland Rugby media conference at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Ireland boss Simon Easterby has backed Jamie Osborne to prove his versatility against France in this Saturday’s crunch Guinness Six Nations showdown with France at Aviva Stadium.

Osborne was one of two positional changes from the round-three victory in Wales last time out, with Robbie Henshaw switching from inside centre to outside. Ireland have recalled a fit-again Caelan Doris to captain the side from No.8, restored Bundee Aki to midfield in place of the suspended Garry Ringrose, Finlay Bealham replacing Thomas Clarkson at tighthead prop and Hugo Keenan moving to full-back with right wing Mack Hansen ruled out through injury, to where Osborne moves from 15.