Longwell's the lock of the Irish

Gary Longwell is poised to win his third Ireland cap after being drafted into the squad for Saturday's Six Nations Championship match against France at Lansdowne Road. The Ballymena lock, who faced South Africa in November, has been promoted from the A team following the withdrawal of second row Jeremy Davidson, who broke a knuckle in his left index finger playing for Castres on Saturday.

Centre Brian O'Driscoll and winger Denis Hickie, who both missed Ireland's opening championship win over Italy in Rome through injury, are certain to be included in the starting team, which coach Warren Gatland will name today. France scrum half Fabien Galthie is banned for Saturday's game after receiving a yellow card in the French championship on Sunday.