Kidney: Ulster duo have earned their places

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has said he has chosen a strong second-row combination of Ed O'Donoghue and Dan Tuohy for their game against the Barbarians tonight.

The former Munster and Leinster coach pointed to Ulster's performances in the set-pieces this season as proof that the two debutants can cope with Test match rugby.

Kidney said: "If you look at the way the Ulster line-out and the scrimmaging has gone this year, they have won all their own ball and scrummed strongly.

"They have won plenty of ball for their backs and this is another step up for them now."

Kidney also said it was "no coincidence" that there were three Connacht players in his team.

He said: "You don't really pick by province, you see who is playing well, but I do think it is no coincidence.

"Shaun played in the Churchill Cup last year as did John Muldoon, and Gavin Duffy was probably our best back when we were in Canada and America last season."