Ireland recall Bowe for Croke Park clash - but O'Driscoll could be a doubt

Bowe has been rewarded for his sparkling form for Ulster by replacing Geordan Murphy on the right wing.

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It is the 23-year-old's first involvement with Ireland since he started last August's World Cup warm-up match against the same opposition.

Murphy was given a torrid time by opposite number Vincent Clerc in the 26-21 defeat by France and is omitted from the squad altogether.

O'Connell missed the opening two games of the Six Nations because of a long-term back injury sustained during the World Cup, but Ireland's pack leader and vice-captain completed his recovery on Magners League duty for Munster at the weekend.

Mick O'Driscoll is promoted to the starting line-up - he was included among the substitutes against Italy and France - where he will pack down alongside Donncha O'Callaghan.

Munster lock O'Driscoll replaces the axed Malcolm O'Kelly in the only other change to the starting line-up from the narrow defeat in Paris.

Leinster's Shane Horgan, who appeared favourite to replace Murphy, continues on the bench.

Ireland head coach Eddie O'Sullivan revealed there is a slight doubt over skipper Brian O'Driscoll.

O'Sullivan said: "Brian's calf tightened up in training. He should be fine but we'll see later in the week. Luke Fitzgerald is on standby as cover. If a player gets a niggle early in the week then it's always a concern but the match is on Saturday.

"We need a player on standby just in case he doesn't make it, but it's just a precaution. I'm not worried about him. Brian is a power runner and does pick up the odd niggle."

There has been a growing clamour for Bowe's inclusion and O'Sullivan confirmed he could no longer ignore his claims to selection.

He said: "Tommy is playing really well and has forced his way into the team. He has really been putting his hand up."

O'Sullivan added: "Paul O'Connell is back and has forced his way into the 22. One of the locks had to drop out because of that and it was a tough call on Malcolm.

"But Mick did well off the bench in Paris and that justifies his place in the team."

Ireland team: G Dempsey (Leinster); T Bowe (Ulster), B O'Driscoll (Leinster, captain), A Trimble (Ulster), R Kearney (Leinster); R O'Gara (Munster), E Reddan (Wasps); M Horan (Munster), B Jackman (Leinster), J Hayes (Munster), D O'Callaghan (Munster), M O'Driscoll (Munster), D Leamy (Munster), D Wallace (Munster), J Heaslip (Leinster).

Replacements: R Best (Ulster), T Buckley (Munster), P O'Connell (Munster), S Easterby (Llanelli), P Stringer (Munster), P Wallace (Ulster), S Horgan (Leinster).