Ireland A have an opportunity to avenge their only defeat at that level last season tonight at Ravenhill (7.30), where France are the visitors. Coach Declan Kidney was quick to dismiss the notion of revenge, correctly pointing out there are few survivors on either side from last season.
Instead he will seek to continue a remarkable record at shadow international level, encouraging his charges to enjoy the match and at the same time express the individual and collective talent the team harbours. The 68-16, 10-try thumping of the Italians a fortnight ago was a convincing opening to the season but is light years away from the challenge which the French will present.
Jeremy Davidson's injury (broken knuckle) and Tyrone Howe's illness mean there are two late changes to the side originally announced. The promotion of Gary Longwell and Shane Horgan to the senior squad ensures that John Kelly (Cork Constitution) and Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution) will start tonight's game.
According to media accounts Kelly was one of Ireland's outstanding players the last day and was therefore extremely unlucky to be dropped initially. His restoration allows him an opportunity to further enhance his reputation. It will be interesting to note whether Kelly or Mike Mullins plays outside centre, the position both would prefer.
O'Driscoll will partner Robert Casey in the second row, and in the light of Davidson's injury, both would cherish a high profile performance that would put pressure on those in the senior squad. Victor Costello missed the Italian match through illness but return at number eight, with Tony McWhirter moving to blindside flanker. Trevor Brennan is another whose display in Viterbo warranted more than a demotion to the bench.
In the context of the match itself, the French will offer a serious examination up front, particularly in the scrum. How Ireland acquit themselves in stopping the rolling maul and imposing their own game will determine the space and time halfbacks Tom Tierney and Jeremy Staunton will be allotted. For the latter this match presents another chance to enjoy his favoured role of outhalf.
Once again individual performances will be as important as winning or losing. Young Galwegians flanker Johnny O'Connor will find the bar rising again as the promising young openside faces arguably the most physical and toughest test of his fledgling career.
France beat Scotland 15-8 a fortnight ago but should find Ireland a tougher proposition.
IRELAND A: D Crotty (Garryowen); G Murphy (Leicester), J Kelly (Cork Constitution), M Mullins (Young Munster), A Horgan (Cork Constitution); J Staunton (Garryowen), T Tierney (Garryowen, capt); J Fitzpatrick (Dungannon), S Byrne (Blackrock College), S Best (Belfast Harlequins); R Casey (Blackrock College), M O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution); T McWhirter (Dungannon), V Costello (St Mary's College), J O'Connor (Galwegians). Replacements: J Bell (Dungannon), P Burke (Harlequins), K Campbell (London Irish), M Horan (Shannon), P Smyth (St Mary's College), L Cullen (Blackrock College), T Brennan (St Mary's College).
FRANCE A: P Elhorga (Agen); A Rougerie (Monferrand), S Bonetti (Biarritz), Y Jauzion (Colomiers), R Poulain (S Francais); JB Elissalde (Rochelais), P Mignoni (Dax); O Milloud (Bourgoin), B August (Dax), A Galasso (Monferrand); L Nallet (Bourgoin), D Gerard (Toulouse), A Audebert (Monferrand), C Milheres (Biarritz), I Harinordoqui (Pau). Replacements: Y Bru (Toulouse), B Lecouls (Agen), S Nouchi (Biarritz), S Chabal (Bourgoin), JF Dubois (Beziers), D Traille (Paloise), A Albouy (Castres).
Referee: R Dickson (Scotland).
