Jonathan Sexton has been recalled to Ireland’s starting line-up to take on England in the Grand Slam decider in Dublin on Saturday. He swaps places Ronan O’Gara, who returns to the bench having kicked off against Scotland and Wales.

Sexton is one of two changes in the backline’s personnel, while Declan Kidney has also made a positional change. Keith Earls moves to full-back in place of Luke Fitzgerald, while Andrew Trimble makes his first appearance of the championship on the left wing.

Ireland’s only injury concern after their loss to Wales was scrum-half Eoin Reddan, who left the Millennium Stadium pitch within one minute having been hit in the face with a ball kicked by Lee Byrne. However, he has made good progress this week and will retain his starting position, assuming he is passed fit by the neurologist. Peter Stringer is on standby, and has been named on the bench.

Ireland team to face England:

Keith Earls; Tommy Bowe, Brian O’Driscoll (captain), Gordon D’Arcy, Andrew Trimble; Jonathan Sexton, Eoin Reddan; Cian Healy, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Sean O’Brien, David Wallace, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements:

Sean Cronin, Tom Court, Leo Cullen, Denis Leamy, Peter Stringer, Ronan O’Gara, Paddy Wallace.