League - Fitzpatrick set to face France

Ireland have made just one change for their final European Nations Cup pool match against France at Dalymount Park, Dublin, tomorrow.

Salford half-back Karl Fitzpatrick, who scored the match-winning try in last Sunday’s last-gasp 24-22 victory over Scotland after coming on as substitute, is rewarded with a place in the starting line-up.

He takes over from Wakefield’s Paul Handforth, who drops to the bench as the Irish seek to book a place in the final on November 16.

“Karl was particularly impressive last week coming off the bench and he deserves a chance in the starting line-up this week,” said coach Daryl Powell.

“Paul Handforth also created a lot last week and his versatility could be crucial off the bench as he can perform well in a number of positions.”

France, have selected their line-up from the two teams that played last Saturday in Lebanon and Carcassonne, have Warrington’s Jerome Guisset at prop forward.

Ireland: Cummins (Leeds); Smyth (Warrington), Doran (Oldham), Stewart (St Helens), Gaskell (Warrington); Fitzpatrick (Salford), Roden (Oldham); Marshall (Leigh), Cantillon (Halifax, capt), Slicker (Huddersfield), Farrell (Oldham), King (Barrow), Gallagher (Leeds).

Subs: Handforth (Wakefield), Maye (St Helens), Bates (Gateshead), McLoughlin (Oldham).