War still up for grabs as battles begin

A NEW link will be forged at under-21 level when Ireland meet France in this grade for the first time at Anglesea Road today (12.0).

In contrast, a 21-year gap will be bridged when Ireland play France in the A sphere for the first time since 1976 at Donnybrook this afternoon (2.30).

The under-21 encounter, marks the start of a weekend of, intensive competition between Ireland and France - the armed forces of both countries are also in opposition at Sydney Parade this afternoon. These matches are, of course, a prelude to the main event - the International Championship match at Lansdowne Road tomorrow.

Last season, Ireland won the Triple Crown at under-21 level. The only survivor from the side that attained that distinction on the team today is loose head prop Barry McConnell. Yet it is indicative of the strength of the game at this level in Ireland, that three, other members of last season's winning team scrum-half Brian O'Meara, wing Denis Hickie and back-row forward Eric Miller - are all still eligible for the under-21 team, but are playing against France this weekend at higher levels. Hickie and O'Meara are on the Ireland A team and Miller is, on the senior side.

Ireland, however, will still put a very formidable team on the field. The team includes several players who been honoured at senior provincial level.

France are also strong at this level and a good defence will, be a necessity for the Irish youngsters, as indeed it will be for the Ireland A side. The last occasion Ireland met France in an A match - those encounters were then designated B - was in Dijon in 1976. This will be their third meeting and the score stands at one win each. It is a very important engagement for those Ireland players on the road to international advancement and those who hope to regain their places on the championship team.

There are eight full internationals on the Irish side, despite the disruption earlier in the week when Jim Staples withdrew and David Humphreys and Paul Flavin were called in as replacements for the championship match tomorrow.

But, in fact, both are replaced by internationals. Ciaran Clarke comes in at fullback for Staples and Alan McGowan plays at out-half for Humphreys.

The Ireland back row of Anthony Foley, Ben Cronin and Eddie Halvey could have a profound bearing on the outcome today. The match provides a very good platform for all three players. Foley was one of the casualties of Ireland's indifferent display against Italy, Halvey has had a disrupted season because of injury and Cronin is another who needs a big game.

The second row pairing of Mick Galwey and Brian Cusack is a blend of vast experience and youthful promise and the front row of Henry Hurley, Mark McDermott and Angus McKeen represents a solid platform.

Brian O'Meara has the quality and perception to make good use of possession and he and McGowan must give what looks a good attacking back line the chances to test the quality of the French defence. Of course, they must also offer resolute defence against a French back division that includes a number of internationals - Olivier Campan, Phillipe Bernat-Salles and Laurent Leflamand. The French also have a full cap in flanker Marc Lievremont.