THE Ireland management decided on two closed training sessions prior to their meeting with France in Paris next Saturday yesterday afternoon and again next Thursday but they revealed open minds in selecting the team. It shows four changes in personnel and two positional alterations from the side that lost to Scotland three weeks ago.

It also showed commendable awareness by the selectors. "We have picked the side to play the type of game we believe represents our best chance of defeating France," said manager Pat Whelan. "The type of game we aspire to was played by Scotland against France. But we were not so much influenced by the Scots as by our own desire to play a particular type of game, of the kind suited to the side we have chosen."

There is only one new cap, 24 year old outside half David Humphreys, who is given reward for some fine performances lately. In that regard none was more telling nor finely timed than the most recent, his display last Tuesday night for Ulster against New South Wales at Ravenhill.

He takes over from Eric Elwood and forms a new partnership with Niall Hogan, who is restored to the serum half berth in place of Chris Saverimutto.

Another alteration in the back line is the selection of Niall Woods on the left wing, with Simon Geoghegan switched to the right for Richard Wallace. But Wallace may yet play, as there is considerable doubt about Geoghegan's availability because of a damaged hamstring.

Time and the selectors' patience finally ran out for Neil Francis. He has been dropped, with Paddy Johns moved to the second row from number eight to partner Gabriel Fulcher. Victor Costello, who made his international debut against the United States in Atlanta early last month, is named at number eight for his second cap and his first championship appearance.

The selectors have retained plenty of experience in the side and allied it to youthful talent, recognising Humphrey's current form and potential, Woods' good performances this season and Hogan's better, all round game than that of Saverimutto.

Humphreys has served a worthy apprenticeship. He was a member of the Ireland schools side that won the Triple Crown in 1990, and then went on to play for Ireland at under 21 level while a student at Queen's University. He made a memorable debut for Ireland A against Wales in Newport three years ago, scoring 19 points in the 29-28 victory.

He was a member of the Ireland development side that toured Africa in 1993. After leaving Queen's University, he joined Ballymena and this season went to Oxford University. He revealed a return to his best form and scored a record 19 points for Oxford in the Varsity match last December.

He won his fourth A cap in the win over Scotland last month, and last Tuesday night gave a great performance for Ulster in the win over New South Wales, watched by all five Ireland selectors. "He has been in fine form recently and is an exciting player who we believe will fit into our plans and is capable of playing the type of game we now want to play," said Whelan "I am obviously delighted to be selected, it has been a long cherished ambition. It has come as quite a surprise to me, but things have gone very well for me this season," said Humphreys.

Humphreys did not, as expected, play for London Irish against Leeds in the Pilkington Cup last Saturday. When, shortly before the kick off, London Irish coach Clive Woodward heard that Humphreys was chosen for his first cap, he immediately withdrew him from the side. "I would never forgive myself if he had been injured and missed the chance to play in Paris," said Woodward, whose gesture was magnanimous.

Humphreys' partnership with Hogan will be crucial in a team that has obviously been selected with the intention of attacking the French. Hogan won the last of his five caps against France in the World Cup in Durban in June. He missed the early weeks of the season after having a shoulder operation, and that, allied to his duties as recently qualified medical doctor, limited his opportunities and Alain Rolland was first choice for Leinster.

But Hogan was on the bench for Ireland against United States and against Scotland and regained his place on the Leinster side against New South Wales and played very well in that match.

Woods, who is 24, was a surprising omission from the Ireland World Cup squad, having been capped twice in Australia in the summer of 1994 and then last season against England and France. "He played very well for Ireland in the A international and his current form and the manner in which he has trained were the factors that influenced his selection," said coach Murray Kidd.

Whelan added "He had defensive limitations, but he worked hard and on them and has improved considerably in that respect. He is quicker than Wallace and has been a regular in the Leinster side and a considerable contributor to Leinsters good run of success this season.

The case for moving Paddy Johns to the second row for Francis was immense. Francis' general contribution has been sadly lacking in the big matches recently. His performances against quality opposition have been well below the selectors' expectations. He was by no means alone in playing poorly against Scotland, but for Francis it was one more bad performance among too many.

The selectors have decided to retain Jeremy Davidson on the blind side flank. The unavailability of Eddie Halvey was a factor, and the reluctance to switch David Corkey from open to blind and bring in Den is McBride on the open side has been resisted.

Size and the composition of the French back row was a factor in this decision. Costello, has been the most consistent number eight this season, and if his defensive powers are not as sharp as one would like, his strength going forward will be an asset and his presence widens the line out options.

This is an Ireland side that is brave in its composition and the selectors have revealed courage, foresight and realism in constructing it.