Schmidt facing selection headache at fly-half
Johnny Sexton has been passed fit to train with Ireland, leading to speculation about fly-half selection for the clash with France.
The Leinster talisman missed out on the opening day defeat to Scotland and the subsequent win over Italy. On both occasions, Ulster's Paddy Jackson has stepped into the role.
Although the Murrayfield clash ended in Irish disappointment on the back of a 27-22 scoreline, Jackson scored 14 points.
A week later in Rome, he put in a flawless kicking shift to equal a 6 Nations record. Ireland cruised to a 63-10 victory, with Jackson kicking all 9 penalties, while effectively marshaling the backline.
Schmidt's first choice at number 10 has always been Sexton, but he admits Jackson's performances have given him plenty to think about. "Johnny has proven that he can come straight back into a side and hit the ground running, and he's done that for us on other occasions," said Schmidt.
"I guess this window has allowed Paddy to put his hand up and say 'well, that shouldn't be an automatic choice'," he added.
With Ireland not due to face table-toppers England until Round 5, this weekend's visit of the French will define the future of their tournament.