'A' InternationalIreland v France Donnybrook, 7.0 Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan flagged the importance of A internationals earlier this week, which suggests the conflict between the need to cut costs or to offer a stage for aspiring internationals could now be reversed in favour of the latter.
It's almost two years since Ireland last played at this level, but next season could see a return to a full A calendar. Interestingly, from the team which lined out in March 2003 against England there are just two survivors in the starting XV tonight: centre David Quinlan and tighthead prop Simon Best.
O'Sullivan wants to watch potential Test players in a serious competitive environment and he's selected several promising players who will fall under the baton of Connacht coach Michael Bradley, who takes charge of the A team for this one-off match.
Tommy Bowe graduates from the under-21 side, while Kieran Lewis gets a deserved opportunity to impose his talent in the centre at a higher level. He should prove the perfect foil for the more abrasive Quinlan.
The last time Paddy Wallace and Kieran Campbell lined out at halfback together in green jerseys was the 1998 Under-19 World Cup final when Ireland beat France in Toulouse.
It's a bonus for Wallace that he's been given a chance in his favoured role of outhalf, while Campbell is finally delivering on the ability he's always had.
Ronnie McCormack can showcase his credentials alongside captain Bernard Jackman and Simon Best in the frontrow, while Matt McCullough is another young, talented player handed an opportunity.
Bob Casey has been performing well for London Irish. Alan Quinlan provides the experience in the backrow, pitched alongside tyros Shane Jennings and Roger Wilson. There is plenty of experience on the bench, along with young Connacht prop Ray Hogan.
The one thing that Bradley is likely to remind his charges, given the limited preparation, is the importance of the team ethic over an individual's desire to stand out.
Ireland, minus those selected to travel on the Lions tour to New Zealand, head for Japan in June for two Tests. Players can make a down payment on securing their ticket this evening.
The French side have been handicapped by defections and won't be able to confirm a team until today.
IRELAND A: B Cunningham (Ulster); T Bowe (Ulster), K Lewis (Leinster), D Quinlan (Leinster), A Horgan (Munster); P Wallace (Ulster), K Campbell (Ulster); R McCormack (Ulster), B Jackman (Connacht, capt), S Best (Ulster); M McCullough (Ulster), B Casey (London Irish); A Quinlan (Munster), S Jennings (Leinster), R Wilson (Ulster). Replacements: P Shields (Ulster), R Hogan (Connacht), B Gissing (Leinster), D Wallace (Munster), B O'Riordan (Leinster), P Burke (Munster), S Payne (Munster).
FRANCE A (from): V Debaty (Perpignan), G Menkarska (Auch), P Capdevielle (Brive), R Terrain (Pau), D Szarzewski (Béziers), R Millo-Chluski (Stade Toulousain), J Pierre (Bourgoin), L Nallet (Castres), R Froment (Castres), P Rabadan (Stade Français), J Vallée (Montpellier), M Dridi (Toulon), N Durand (Perpignan), JB Péjoine (Brive), B Boyet (Bourgoin), N Laharrague (Perpignan), J Arias (Stade Français), P Bomati (Perpignan), G Boussès (Biarritz), J Candelon (Narbonne), JF Coux (Bourgoin), JB Dambielle (Auch).
Referee: W Barnes (England).
