We can cope with changes - Maggs

Ireland have fielded a different midfield for each of their 2005 RBS 6 Nations matches, but centre Kevin Maggs insists his side now have the resources to overcome such disruptions.

The Triple Crown holders’ line-up has had a settled look to it for the past year and such consistency has been one of the reasons for their transformation into serious title contenders.

But their championship has been hit by a series of injuries which have robbed them of centres Gordon D’Arcy, Brian O’Driscoll and Shane Horgan at different times, forcing coach Eddie O’Sullivan to reassess his options every match.

Now Maggs and O’Driscoll – once Ireland’s first choice pairing – are the latest duo to form the Irish midfield, but Maggs believes the change in personal will make little difference.

“I don’t think the changes affect us that much because myself, Shane and Brian have been around a long time and have a lot of experience,” said Maggs, who made his Test debut against New Zealand in 1997.

“Gordon did so well last year so it’s unfortunate he hasn’t really been involved this time around. But between the rest of us we have the ability to cover for each other and go for it on the day.

“We have got an experienced squad now with real strength in depth and that wasn’t always the case in the past. There are always people ready to fill in when we get an injury.”

Maggs, who will win his 68th cap on Saturday, added: “With Shane and Gordon injured, I’ve been given another chance to show what I can do. Hopefully I’ll have a good game.

“I’ve played with Brian on many occasions. The battle starts up front with the forwards but the midfield is going to be another important area. France have strong centres and I want to confront them as much as possible.”

O’Driscoll and D’Arcy suffered hamstring injuries during Ireland’s opening match of the campaign against Italy, ruling them out of the 40-13 victory over Scotland.

Their absence presented an opportunity for Maggs to resume his international career at Murrayfield and he gave a typically robust performance which was soon forgotten the following day.

“I enjoyed the Scotland game. It was a great win, but it was also an emotional weekend for me because my wife had our first child on the following day – and thank God I managed to get back for the birth,” he said.

“I was out celebrating with the lads because because my wife was booked in to have the baby on Monday. But I got a phone call at 4am saying her waters had broken and could I get back as soon as possible.

“There was a mad taxi drive from Edinburgh to Glasgow airport, followed by the flight and then a frantic dash to the hospital in Belfast. I made it with an hour to spare.”

Maggs’ return has met with the approval of O’Driscoll, who is looking forward to resuming his partnership with the hard-running Ulster veteran.

“Kevin and I know each other’s games very well – I played my first international with him and we have gone on to play many times together,” he said.

“In training we’ve continued from where we left off last time. I don’t see any problems resuming the partnership. Whenever Maggs has come in he’s done a magnificent job.”