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DUBLIN - Ireland has called up another six players before this weekend's Six Nations test against England at Croke Park.
The squad, now 31-strong, was bolstered by the additions of Leinster backs Kieran Lewis and Robert Kearney, Munster wing Barry Murphy, and forwards Bryan Young, Stephen Ferris and Trevor Hogan.
Third-placed Ireland have no injury concerns for this weekend's match, in which they will try to make amends for their 20-17 home defeat by leaders and reigning champions France.
Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll and halfback Peter Stringer missed that match - the first rugby union international at Croke Park, the headquarters ground of the Gaelic Athletic Association - through injury.
But they are expected to be in the team to be named today by coach Eddie O'Sullivan to play England, currently second in the table on points difference.
England's matchday 22 looked to have emerged unscathed after several players took part in premiership matches last weekend despite pleas from national coach Brian Ashton they all be rested.
Ashton named his test 22 a week earlier than usual to give clubs time to pull them out of league clashes.
Six players - Olly Morgan, Josh Lewsey, Jason Robinson, Andy Farrell, Danny Grewcock and Magnus Lund - played but they all appeared to have a clean bill of health.
* After a 21-9 loss to Scotland, Wales have made seven changes to the starting line-up for their match against France in Paris, mostly in the pack.
Lee Byrne returns from a knee injury to replace the injured Kevin Morgan at fullback and Shane Williams comes in for Chris Czekaj on the wing.
Centre Tom Shanklin makes his first start in this year's tournament, replacing Jamie Robinson who moves to the bench. Mark Jones moves from right to left wing.
In the front row, Gethin Jenkins and Chris Horsman are recalled at prop in place of Duncan Jones and Adam Jones, and Matthew Rees starts as hooker instead of Rhys Thomas.
in the second row, Ian Gough comes in for Robert Sidoli.
- REUTERS
