'I feel like I'm ready to go' - Carbery set to step up for first Six Nations start

Joey Carbery may have been waiting five years for a Six Nations start but he believes he is more than ready to step into Johnny Sexton's shoes against France.

The 26-year-old replaces the Ireland captain, who injured his hamstring in training yesterday, to earn his first championship start having featured off the bench seven times since making his tournament debut in 2017.

"I’m really excited for the weekend now," he told RTÉ Sport.

"I feel like I’m ready to go, both mentally and physically, training has gone really well this week and last week was good as well.

"I didn’t really think about [my first start] until I was actually told.

"We do a lot of switching in and out during training so when I was told to stay in I was excited and looking forward to getting some minutes under my belt.

"To be honest, over the last two or three weeks, in Portugal and the Welsh week, I was in and out a lot so I’m feeling very confident."

Asked what the Irish fans can expect to see from Carbery, who endured a difficult period of injuries following the 2019 World Cup, the Munster back said: "It’s hard to put into words but it’s getting a feel for the game, trying to make guys around me look good, yeah, try and combine everything and do the right thing."

Earlier this week France out-half Romain Ntamack hailed Sexton as "the symbol of the team"

"He's one of the best fly-halves in the history of international rugby," he added.

"We know all his qualities, despite his age he’s still incredible. He plays superbly well every weekend. He’s an incredible weapon for them."

But the job at hand now falls to Carbery and Ireland head coach Andy Farrell says the late change, the only amendment to the team that beat Wales, won't affect their game plan in Paris.

"It's