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Ireland gives Kevin Maggs a call

Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll scores a try against England during their Six Nations match at Lansdowne Road in Dublin, Ireland, on Feb. 27. Ireland faces France on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP

Ireland recalled center Kevin Maggs on Tuesday, and France named captain Fabien Pelous for his 100th cap in their Six Nations clash in Dublin on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Wales ruled out backup scrumhalf Gareth Cooper, who injured his ankle while playing in the Asian tsunami relief match for the Northern Hemisphere at Twickenham last weekend, and Sunday's opponent Scotland was poised to field former Australian rugby league player Ben MacDougall, one of eight newcomers named in a 33-strong squad.

Maggs replaced Shane Horgan, who fractured his thumb in the win over England nine days ago, and was out of the tournament. Maggs, who was benched for that game to make way for fit-again captain Brian O'Driscoll, was the only change to the unbeaten Irish side, and will earn his 68th cap. Gavin Duffy took Maggs' place on the bench.

The decision by coach Eddie O'Sullivan shortened the chances of an appearance in the competition by center Gordon D'Arcy, last year's player of the tournament. D'Arcy's dicey hamstring was still not ready for test play, and probably not for next week's likely Six Nations decider against Wales.

However, O'Driscoll was recovered from a bruised elbow which forced his defection from leading the Northern Hemisphere last Saturday. Leinster teammate and winger Denis Hickie will play his 50th match.

Pelous will become the fifth man in rugby history to reach 100 appearances for his country, and the second Frenchman, when he leads France at Lansdowne Road. Center Philippe Sella played the last of his French record 111 caps in 1995.

France made two changes to the side which lost to Wales 24-18.

Brive inside center Ludovic Valbon was recovered from the back injury sustained in the opening win over Scotland, in time to replace Damien Traille, who was out with a right ankle problem.

Winger Cedric Heymans will make his Six Nations debut for Aurelien Rougerie, who injured his collarbone against Wales.

Wales replacement scrumhalf Cooper badly strained his right ankle in the charity match, and looked set to be replaced in the reserves by Mike Phillips. Wales coach Mike Ruddock delayed naming his team to Wednesday.

Welsh hopes of a first Six Nations title since 1994 rest on beating Scotland for only the second time in 20 years at Murrayfield, and then heading to a title showdown against Ireland the following weekend.

Scotland coach Matt Williams included center MacDougall, who switched from rugby league's Melbourne Storm last October, in a squad to be trimmed.

He was among eight first-timers named: Flyhalf Phil Godman, winger Rory Lamont, No. 8 Paul Dearlove, flanker Andrew Wilson, lock Alastair Kellock, prop Alasdair Dickinson, hooker Scott Lawson.

Scotland has beaten only Italy, after losses to France and Ireland.

England host Italy on Saturday in the other match of the fourth round.
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