Sexton in at fly-half

Ireland have selected Jonathan Sexton at fly-half for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations finale against Grand Slam chasing England at Aviva Stadium.

Sexton endured a torrid afternoon in Saturday's 19-13 defeat by Wales after appearing as a 50th-minute substitute for Ronan O'Gara at the Millennium Stadium.

But coach Declan Kidney has decided to persevere with his controversial rotational policy at 10 by picking the Leinster half-back to face England.

O'Gara, who started the last two outings against Scotland and Wales, is demoted to the bench.

One other change in personnel has been made to the side subdued in Cardiff with Luke Fitzgerald losing his place at full-back.

Fitzgerald has struggled to make a successful transition from wing to the number 15 jersey and has paid the price by being omitted from the squad altogether.

Keith Earls switches to full-back with Andrew Trimble coming in to fill the vacancy on the left wing.

Eoin Reddan has been selected at scrum-half despite being concussed during the opening minute against Wales. However, he requires a positive assessment from a neurologist before being given the green light to play.

With Tomas O'Leary ruled out because of an eye injury, coach Kidney's options at scrum-half are limited.

Peter Stringer, who replaced Reddan at the Millennium Stadium, continues on the bench but will be promoted to the starting line-up should his rival from Leinster fail to receive the all-clear.