JOHNNY SEXTON will take France's pledge to exploit any lingering weakness from his 12-week concussion lay-off fully in his stride in Dublin, according to Greg Feek.

Former France international Laurent Benezech has labelled Ireland's decision to pitch Sexton straight back into action for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium as "a big mistake".

Scrum coach Feek believes it is "a credit" to Sexton that he is fully fit and itching for a Test return after his elongated absence, caused by four concussions in 12 months.

France flanker Bernard Le Roux has joked his Racing Metro club-mate Sexton should "wear a helmet" in Saturday's Six Nations showdown at the Aviva Stadium.

Les Bleus boss Philippe Saint-Andre was not being light-hearted when pledging to send wrecking-ball centre Mathieu Bastareaud straight down Sexton's channel from the off this weekend however.

"Johnny's selected, he's been keen to play and he's fine," said Ireland scrum coach Feek. "We don't really comment on outside opinions. We've got brilliant medical staff and strength and conditioning staff, and we all work together on that process.

"Then the players themselves are involved in that. When is the right time? What is the right game? That's the big question-mark.

"We felt this was it. He did everything he needed to do, so it's a credit to the player to be available at this point as well."

Ireland: R Kearney; T Bowe, J Payne, R Henshaw, S Zebo; J Sexton, C Murray; J McGrath, R Best, M Ross, D Toner, P O'Connell (capt), P O'Mahony, S O'Brien, J Heaslip.

Replacements: S Cronin, C Healy, M Moore, I Henderson, J Murphy, I Boss, I Madigan, F Jones.

France: S Spedding; Y Huget , M Bastareaud, W Fofana, T Thomas; C Lopez, R Kockott; E Ben Arous, G Guirado, R Slimani, P Pape, Y Maestri (Toulouse), T Dusautoir (capt), B Le Roux, D Chouly.

Replacements: B Kayser, U Atonio, V Debaty, R Taofifenua, L Goujon, M Parra, R Tales, R Lamerat.

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England).