Post by Taxigirl on Nov 7, 2003 10:05:19 GMT
Ireland have made two changes for the World Cup quarter-final against France on Sunday in Melbourne.
Victor Costello replaces Anthony Foley at number eight, while John Kelly takes over from the injured Denis Hickie on the left wing.
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has also stuck with Ronan O'Gara at fly-half.
Costello missed last Saturday's final Pool game, against Australia, with a thigh strain.
Hickie suffered a torn achilles tendon in that game, and Ulster winger Tyrone Howe was called up to replace him.
But Kelly, who replaced Hickie against the Wallabies, gets the starting spot against France.
On Costello's inclusion, O'Sullivan said: "It's back to the old policy of horses for courses, which is very tough on Anthony Foley.
Huge challenge
"But there's no better man to deal with it. He's a consumate professional."
Ireland have had the edge on France in recent encounters winning three of their last four matches against their Six Nations rivals.
However, O'Sullivan admitted Sunday's match was another huge challenge for his team.
"France are like a racehorse, they've timed their run very well and they are coming into the home straight.
"They've got a lot of structure and discipline and plenty of game-breakers.
"It will be a very tough game for us but if we play to to our strengths we can win."
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Ireland: G Dempsey, S Horgan, B O'Driscoll, K Maggs, J Kelly; R O'Gara, P Stringer; R Corrigan, K Wood (capt), J Hayes; M O'Kelly, P O'Connell; S Easterby, K Gleeson, V Costello.
Replacements: S Byrne, M Horan, D O'Callaghan, E Miller, G Easterby, D Humphreys, A Horgan.