Monday 13 March 2017 16:22, UK
Ireland half-backs Conor Murray and Johnny Sexton have been declared fit for their final Six Nations clash against champions England.
Murray was substituted in Ireland's 22-9 loss to Wales in Cardiff on Friday night with a shoulder complaint, while Sexton had to undergo an in-game Head Injury Assessment (HIA) at the Principality Stadium.
However, both are ready for selection as Ireland look to deny England a second consecutive Grand Slam and first back-to-back whitewash in the championship since 1992-93.
England defeated Scotland 61-21 at Twickenham over the weekend to retain the Six Nations title and register their 18th straight Test victory, equalling New Zealand's run from August 2015 to November 2016.
Eddie Jones' men travel to the Aviva Stadium looking to eclipse the All Blacks' record, with Ireland's defeat to Wales having ended their title hopes ahead of the meeting in Dublin.
"Johnny Sexton underwent a precautionary HIA at the weekend. Concussion has been ruled out and he's available for selection," Ireland team manager Paul Dean said.
"Jonathan went through all the concussion tests, so he's completely clear. He has a black eye, which is not his best look, but other than that, he should be fine.
"Conor Murray sustained a stinger injury to his left shoulder. He's responded well to treatment and he's available for selection.
"A stinger injury is a curious injury, it's a numbness that happens on the pitch. You recover quite quickly, all going well.
"Conor's such a very good player, we gave him as much opportunity to recover from the stinger, but as you all saw he didn't recover completely, and we had to take him off. But he's fine, he's fine."
While influential pair Murray and Sexton have been ruled fit, there was bad news for Tommy Bowe, with the Ulster wing suffering a suspected fracture of his left leg.
"He'll see a specialist (on Monday) and he's back at Ulster, and we wish Tommy a speedy recovery," Dean said.
"Fergus McFadden will train with the squad this week, and he replaces Tommy Bowe."
Ireland will be seeking to avoid losing all three Triple Crown matches in one championship for the first time since 1998 in Saturday's Aviva Stadium showdown.
England, on the other hand, will be wary having lost a potential Grand Slam title in 2011 in Dublin, and will face an Ireland side that created history by ending New Zealand's record run last autumn - their first victory over the All Blacks in 111 years.
