Ireland's Earls and Herring ruled out of France clash

Keith Earls and Rob Herring have been ruled out of contention for Ireland's second Guinness Six Nations match against France on Saturday (4.45pm).

Neither the versatile Munster back or the Ulster hooker were involved in the 29-7 win over Wales on Saturday.

Connacht’s Dave Heffernan has been called up in Herring’s absence.

"Keith Earls will continue his hamstring rehab in Munster over the coming weeks and his progress will be assessed as the Championship progresses," said the IRFU in a squad update this lunchtime.

"Rob Herring is unavailable for selection for this weekend’s Round 2 trip to Paris to face France with a calf issue and Dave Heffernan has joined the squad."

Ulster trio Michael Lowry, Robert Baloucoune and Nick Timoney have re-joined the squad having featured for Ulster against Connacht in the URC on Friday evening.

Andy Farrell was also able to report a clean bill of health following on from the victory over the defending champions.

"There were no injury concerns emerging from Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations Round 1 win over Wales at Aviva Stadium," the statement said.

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Meanwhile, France team manager Raphael Ibanez said Ireland's win and performance against Wales did not come as a surprise.

"Now we must regather our forces to be ready to go in six days' time against Ireland," he said following Les Bleus 37-10 win over Italy.

"The Irish performance against Wales is no real surprise: they are ranked fourth in the world and justified that place, with an accomplished