France v Ireland Team News: Ireland must make do without Sexton

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of this Saturday’s crucial Six Nations encounter against France with a hamstring injury.

Vice-captain James Ryan takes over the captaincy, having skippered Ireland five times previously and most recently in their 53-7 victory over Argentina in the autumn.

Joey Carbery takes over from Sexton at fly half, with Connacht 10 Jack Carty named amongst the replacements.

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton — EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – MARCH 14: Ireland player Johnny Sexton runs back to his own half after kicking the winning penalty with the water boy during the Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and Ireland at Murrayfield on March 14, 2021 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Sexton’s injury is a huge blow to Ireland’s preparations after emerging from their dominant 29-7 win over Wales in round one unscathed.

The former British and Irish Lion suffered the injury on Wednesday in Ireland’s final full day of training before flying to Paris.

Head coach Andy Farrell revealed that Sexton will be out for no more than 10 days which will put him in contention to start Ireland’s next game at home to Italy on 27^th February.

Farrell said: “Johnny’s an important member of our group. Being skipper of the side he’s integral to how we push forward with many parts of our environment.

“Johnny will travel with us and be as leading as he possibly can be, but this is about the group.”

Ireland fly-half Joey Carbery — EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Ireland player Joey Carbery in action during the Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and Ireland at Murrayfield on February 09, 2019 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Sexton missed Ireland’s 15-13 defeat to France in last year’s Six Nations, with Billy Burns filling in but this time Carbery is given the 10 jersey.

Farrell added: “It’s not just about Joey and can he handle Paris – it’s about us as a group. That’s what Johnny does he makes sure that the whole group is exactly as it should be.

“It’s not just about the number 10 as far as the direction of the team is concerned. It’s about everyone that takes the field.”

Carbery last started for Ireland in their big win over Argentina, with the Munster fly half picking up the Player of the Match award after scoring 18 points.

📋 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

Presenting your Ireland Match Day 23 for Paris, captained by James Ryan! 👊#TeamOfUs | #FRAvIRE

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 10, 2022

🇫🇷☘️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐞́𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐞 pour affronter l’Irlande ! 💪#XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV #FRAIRL pic.twitter.com/6eZi46omlx

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 10, 2022