Ireland make three changes for French test
O'Sullivan rings the changes
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Tuesday, 05, Feb 2008 09:21
Eddie O'Sullivan has made several changes for Ireland's next Six Nations game against France, with Andrew Trimble partnering Brian O'Driscoll in the centre to make way for Leinster wing Robert Kearney.
O'Sullivan is giving Kearney his chance after a strong performance from the bench against Italy.
"Kearney's inclusion is a reward for his display against Italy. He came off the bench and did really well," the Irish coach said.
Geordan Murphy moves to right wing, despite missing training with an eye injury, with Girvan Dempsey playing at full-back to win his 80th cap for Ireland in Paris.
In the forwards, O'Sullivan brings in Bernard Jackman at hooker in place of Rory Best who must be content with a place on the bench.
Denis Leamy moves to blindside flanker to make way for Leinster's Jamie Heaslip, who comes in at number eight as Simon Easterby drops to the bench.
"We've decided to give the Leinster guys a run. Their form has been good and we wanted to see how they got on last week after coming off the bench," said O'Sullivan.
Shane Horgan, who played in the Ireland A game, is included on the bench but Gordan D'Arcy's arm injury keeps him out of the squad.
Ireland team to play France:
15 - Girvan Dempsey (Leinster)
14 - Geordan Murphy (Leicester Tigers)
13 - Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster, captain)
12 - Andrew Trimble (Ulster)
11 - Robert Kearney (Leinster)
10 - Ronan O'Gara (Munster)
9 - Eoin Reddan (London Wasps)
1 - Marcus Horan (Munster)
2 - Bernard Jackman (Leinster)
3 - John Hayes (Munster)
4 - Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster)
5 - Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster)
6 - Denis Leamy (Munster)
7 - David Wallace (Munster)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Leinster)