THE Ireland Students team to meet the French Students at Montferrand on Friday includes two internationals, wing Darragh O'Mahony and blind side flanker Anthony Foley.
The side also includes five players who have been capped at A level: full back Simon Mason, Shane Byrne, tight head prop Paul Flavin, second row Malcolm O'Kelly and number eight Roger Wilson.
Right wing, Dominic Crotty, centre Ray McIlreavy, outside half Fergal Campion and open side Kieron Dawson were all members of the Ireland under 21 side that defeated Scotland last month. O'Kelly is also still eligible for the under 21 team and played at that level against England in November. He did not play against Scotland at under 21 level, as the same day he played for Ireland A.
As Ireland wait to see if wing Simon Geoghegan, under treatment for a hamstring injury, for the International Championship match against France in Paris on Saturday, the indications yesterday were that Thierry Lacroix will be fit to play for France.
Lacroix, who is the French goal kicker - he kicked eight penalty goals and a conversion in the World Cup quarter final match against Ireland in Durban last June - is under treatment for a groin strain. He played for his club Dax on Sunday and was not fully fit. But a French official said last night, "His chances of playing against Ireland could be rated about 90 per cent in favour."
