THE Ireland selectors decided to give a few of the younger school a chance without sacrificing the essential element of experience when they chose the side to meet the Barbarians in the "Peace International" at Lansdowne Roads on May 18th.

The team includes two uncapped players. They are the 23-year-old London Irish centre Robert Henderson and 21-old Ballymena wing James Topping

Henderson was capped for Ireland at under-21 level two years ago and played for Ireland A this season against Wales and England. He has been a first choice, for the Exiles for the last two seasons. Topping was a member of] the Ireland schools' side that won, the Triple Crown in 1993 and also helped Ireland to win the Under 21 Triple Crown this season when he played against England in the series before being promoted to the Ireland A side for the match against Wales.

The match also marks the return to the representative arena of flanker Eddie Halvey, who is now with Saracens. Halvey missed the interprovincial championship and the international series because of injury.

The team shows five changes from the side that lost to England in the final match of this season's international championship. Two members of that side, wing Simon Geoghegan and flanker David Corkery, were not considered because of injury.

Richard Wallace returns to the side in place of Geoghegan, Henderson replaces Maurice Field in the centre, Topping comes on to the left wing for Niall Woods, Henry Hurley takes over at loose head prop from Nick Popplewell and Halvey comes in for Corkery.

Caps are not being awarded for the match as traditionally countries do not award caps against the Barbarians. That gave us an opportunity to look at a few new players," said Ireland manager Pat Whelan.

On the changes he said: "Niall Woods has played little rugby since the match against England and James Topping has played well this season. We want a chance to see Topping in this match. Nick Popplewell is without doubt our number one loose head prop, but we have not seen Henry Hurley against top class opposition and this gives us an opportunity to do that," he said.

The team will assemble on the Wednesday prior to the match and will probably train on the Wednesday night.