Ireland tackle France in an vital Six Nations conflict on the second weekend of the match because the groups meet in Dublin.
France narrowly edged out Ireland in Paris final yr on their solution to Grand Slam triumph so the hosts will probably be in search of a dose of revenge as they start to eye their very own championship clear sweep.
Andy Farrell’s facet started their marketing campaign in very good style, with a dominant opening half-hour powering a cushty win in opposition to Wales, whereas France survived a big scare in opposition to Italy to increase a 14-match unbeaten run.
These are the highest two ranked males’s sides on the planet so anticipate an exciting contest on Saturday afternoon.
Here’s every thing you should know:
When is Ireland vs France?
Ireland vs France is because of kick off at 2.15pm GMT on Saturday 11 February on the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
How can I watch it?
The match is because of be proven dwell on ITV1, with protection from 1.25pm GMT. Registered customers can stream the sport through ITVX.
What is the staff information?
Johnny Sexton has been declared match to play for Ireland after lacking final yr’s assembly between these two groups. The fly-half and captain had suffered a useless leg through the second half of the win in opposition to Wales, however is able to lead his facet in a possible championship decider.
There is worse information for Andy Farrell on Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy and Jamison Gibson-Park although – each props and the scrum half are nonetheless out after lacking Ireland’s Six Nations opener via harm, with Finlay Bealham, Andrew Porter and Conor Murray once more beginning of their stead. Another harm blow has seen Dan Sheehan miss out with a hamstring harm, so Rob Herring begins at hooker and Ronan Kelleher, himself getting back from harm, comes on to the bench in the one adjustments to the 23.
Continuing a season of serious harm woes, France wing Gabin Villiere has reportedly undergone surgical procedure on a fractured shin, with Ethan Dumortier persevering with within the again three after a try-scoring debut in opposition to Italy. Jonathan Danty and Cameron Woki are two first-choice starters at present unavailable to Fabien Galthie, who has caught with the identical beginning facet regardless of an up-and-down efficiency in Rome.
Changes have been made on the bench although, with Toulouse back-rower Francois Cros and Lyon scrum-half Baptiste Couilloud changing La Rochelle lock Thomas Lavault and Racing 92 No 9 Nolann Le Garrec
Confirmed line-ups
Ireland XV: 15. Hugo Keenan; 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. James Lowe; 10. Johnny Sexton (capt), 9. Conor Murray; 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Finlay Bealham; 4. Tadhg Beirne, 5. James Ryan; 6. Peter O’Mahony, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris
Replacements: 16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Dave Kilcoyne, 18. Tom O’Toole, 19. Iain Henderson, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Ross Byrne, 23. Bundee Aki
France XV: 15. Thomas Ramos; 14. Damian Penaud, 13. Gael Fickou, 12. Yoram Moefana, 11. Ethan Dumortier; 10. Romain Ntamack, 9. Antoine Dupont (capt); 1. Cyril Baille, 2. Julien Marchand, 3. Uini Atonio;4. Thibaud Flament, 5. Paul Willemse; 6. Anthony Jelonch, 7. Charles Ollivon, 8. Gregory Alldritt
Replacements: 16. Gaetan Barlot, 17. Reda Wardi, 18. Sipili Falatea, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Francois Cros, 21. Sekou Macalou, 22. Baptiste Couilloud, 23. Matthieu Jalibert
