News about Cian Healy

SHANE MCGRATH AT THE RDS: On Saturday night, a power-packed second half saved Leinster's blushes as they shook off the tough fight of Sale. The visitors made 12 changes from the team that beat Stade Francais in their first Champions Cup game last weekend, and there was a hope that a full-strength Leinster would make short work of Alex Sanderson's team. But it was Leo Cullen, who was certainly the more concerned coach at the time, as Sale used Leinster's sluggishness to lead by two.

Following Ireland's 29-16 victory over England in Dublin on Saturday, the Irish nation became Grand Slam champions for the fourth time. Captain Jonathan Sexton received the most fitting salute in his last Six Nations match, as well as the championship's all-time record. He limped off with six minutes to receive a standing ovation. Freddie Steward was turned off right before halftime, but Ireland could not begin the St. Patrick's weekend celebrations until Henshaw and Sheehan converted for 24-9 after more than an hour. The players were rated by Sportsmail's ADAM HATHAWAY and SHANE MCGRATH.

NUK SIMON: All that was missing in Dublin was a nose-to-nose weigh-in with Johnny Sexton and Antoine Dupont. The two skippers, Irish and French, were exchanging a final word shortly before their heavyweight match. The world's first and second-ranked sides will face off today, for the first time in Six Nations history, as both teams look to lay down a marker seven months before the World Cup. In the short run, the champion is expected to win the Six Nations title. Despite missing Leinster's Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Jamison Gibson-Park, and Dan Sheehan, Ireland are marginal favorites going into their last 12 Tests at home.