With James Ryan also ruled out with a head injury, Ireland will be led by Ulster skipper Iain Henderson for the first time. Sexton, whose health has been the subject of intense focus this week, had been expected to be declared fit before yesterday's training session. The Ulster out-half's inclusion is one of four enforced changes to the team, with Rhys Ruddock replacing the suspended Peter O'Mahony and Henderson coming in for Ryan. Ireland: H Keenan; K Earls, G Ringrose, R Henshaw, J Lowe; B Burns, J Gibson-Park; C Healy, R Herring, A Porter; T Beirne, I Henderson (capt); R Ruddock, J van der Flier, CJ Stander. Replacements: R Kelleher, E Byrne, T Furlong, U Dillane, W Connors, C Casey, R Byrne, J Larmour.

Source: Irish Independent February 12, 2021 11:45 UTC