Maggs comes in for French test

Kevin Maggs has been named in the Ireland side to face France in this weekend’s crucial game against France at Lansdowne Road.

Maggs is the only change made by Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan from the starting side that beat England in the Championship.

He comes into the team for the injured Shane Horgan to win his 68th cap and so extend his Irish record for a centre.

Gavin Duffy takes the place of Maggs on the bench.

Elsewhere in the back division, Denis Hickie will be winning his 50th cap. The team will be captained by Brian O’Driscoll for the 21st time.

Ireland: Geordan Murphy, Girvan Dempsey, Brian O’Driscoll, Kevin Maggs, Denis Hickie, Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer, Reggie Corrigan, Shane Byrne, John Hayes, Malcolm O’Kelly, Paul O’Connell, Simon Easterby, Johnny O’Connor, Anthony Foley.

Replacements: Frank Sheahan, Marcus Horan, Donncha O’Callaghan, Eric Miller, Guy Easterby, David Humphreys, Gavin Duffy.

Not considered due to injury: Gordon D’Arcy (Leinster – Lansdowne), Denis Leamy (Munster – Cork Constitution), Shane Horgan (Leinster – Lansdowne).