There were no real surprises today as Warren Gatland announced his team to face France at Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
The announcement was made this afternoon in Wicklow and as expected both Denis Hickie and Brian O'Driscoll come into the team at the expense of Shane Horgan and Mike Mullins respectively.
Both Hickie and O'Driscoll missed out on playing in Ireland's opening 41-22 victory over Italy through injury but were passed fit by the team medical staff last week.
Speaking after the team was announced at The Glenview Hotel, coach Gatland said that the news that both men were eligible made the whole process of picking the starting 15 a lot easier.
"This is the easiest selection I've had to make for a while," he said.
He was quizzed on the match fitness of Hickie and O'Driscoll and admitted that although they were slightly off the pace he had no reservations regarding their fitness come Saturday.
"They're a little bit off the pace but that's to be expected. They should pick it up in the next couple of days. It won't be a problem they're quality players."
The only other change sees second row Gary Longwell making the step up from the A-squad to replace the injured Jeremy Davidson on the bench. Davidson, who came on for Mick Galwey in Italy, fractured a knuckle in his hand while playing for his French First Division team Castres at the weekend and will be out for up to three weeks. Leo Cullin relaces Longwell in the A-squad.
Irish Team to face France, Landsdowne Road 17/02/01
15. Girvan Dempsey (Terenure)
14. Denis Hickie (St Mary's)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Blackrock)
12. Rob Henderson (Wasps)
11. Tyrone Howe (Ballymena)
10. Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution)
9. Peter Stringer (Shannon)
1. Peter Clohessy (Young Munster)
2. Keith Wood (Harlequins)
3. John Hayes (Shannon)
4. Mick Galwey (Shannon)
5. Malcolm O'Kelly (St Mary's)
6. Alan Quinlan (Shannon)
7. David Wallace (Garryowen)
8. Anthony Foley (Shannon)
Replacements.
16. Frank Sheahan (Cork Constitution)
17. Emmet Byrne (St.Mary's College)
18. Jeremy Davidson (Castres)
19. Andy Ward (Ballynahinch)
20. Brian O'Meara (Cork Constitution)
21. David Humphreys (Dungannon)
22. Kevin Maggs (Bath)