THE Ireland management team yesterday adopted an unprecedented approach as part of their preparation for next Saturday's five nations rugby international against France in Paris, when they turned to a man distinguished in another sporting pursuit for assistance. They called in Sean Kelly, whose deeds in France contrast sharply to the Ireland rugby team's lean return from their visits over the last 24 years, to address the side.

Kelly, a man whose achievements in the demanding and competitive world of professional cycling, marked him out as one of Ireland's most distinguished and successful sportsmen of the modern era, passed on the benefits of his experience. The theme of his discourse was motivation and the sacrifices and demands that are embraced in professionalism.

Meanwhile, having already chosen the side to meet the French, a team that includes one new cap in 24 year old outside half David Humphreys and shows four changes in personnel and two positional switches from the side that lost to Scotland, the selectors continued their squad preparations at Lansdowne Road yesterday with two training sessions - the afternoon work done in private away from the prying eyes of press and public.

One source of worry however, is the considerable doubt about the fitness of Simon Geoghegan, who has a damaged hamstring. Geoghegan took no part in the session on Saturday afternoon or either of the sessions yesterday and said as he watched his colleagues go through a very tough session yesterday morning (a session marked by an intense scrummaging session): "It is very sore and there is no way I could train."

Ireland manager Pat Whelan said: "There is considerable doubt about his fitness. We hope to be able to make a decision on Wednesday, but if necessary we'll wait until Thursday morning. If he is ruled out Richard Wallace will come in on the right wing."

After the morning session yesterday, Kelly addressed the squad for 20 minutes and there followed a question and answer session. "Sean Kelly is one of Ireland's most successful professional sportsmen and his attitude to preparation and powers of motivation as well as his experience and success in France were such that we believe the squad will benefit from listening to him," said Whelan.

"I was happy to give them the benefits of my experience," said Kelly. "I am not qualified to give them any lessons on rugby tactics. My talk was on the sacrifices, preparation and effort that must be made in professional sport and on the motivation required. There are factors common in those respects to all sport, especially professional sport. I have always had an interest in rugby, but since I returned home 12 months ago my interest has increased because I am in a position to be more aware of what is happening. Proper preparation is something that takes a lot of time and a lot of effort," he added.

Whelan announced that the session on Thursday before departure for Paris will also be closed. Team captain Jim Staples, who in common with eight other members of the side has never played against France in Paris, said: "We were down after losing to Scotland and the Scots win over France did not make that loss any more bearable. But we have put it behind us. We are going to Paris in a positive frame of mind with no inhibitions about the venue."

Team coach Murray Kidd said: "There is no question of going out with the intention of keeping the score down. We are going out to play a game to try and win the match."

Meanwhile, French goalkicker Thierry Lacroix is doubtful for next Saturday's match because of a groin injury.

Although Lacroix played, a French league match for his club Dax yesterday, he was clearly not at his best.