Ireland battle France in the Six Nations on Saturday in what could prove to be a title or even eventual Grand Slam decider despite taking place in week two.
These are two of the favourites for the Rugby World Cup live this year and rugby’s top-ranked teams, and it was no surprise to see Andy Farrell’s side quickly hit their stride last week with a dominant display in Cardiff.
Ireland had a poor record at the Principality Stadium going into the match, but they were 14 points up after only 10 minutes and didn’t look back from that point, cruising to a 34-10 win to further strengthen their title credentials.
It become drastically much less convincing from France against an enhancing Italy facet, with last year’s Grand Slam champions just about avoiding a major upset. A 29-24 victory extended their unbeaten run to fourteen fits, and set up a large clash in Dublin.
Ireland take a seat pinnacle of the arena rankings, simply beforehand of France, but understand this may be the ultimate take a look at, as each facets appearance to lay down a marker each for the Six Nations and what’s to come on French soil later in 2023.
Ireland vs France date, kick-off time and venue
Ireland vs France gets the second weekend of the Six Nations up and jogging, taking location before Wales tour to face Scotland at Murrayfield later within the day.
The match is due to start at 2:15pm GMT on, Saturday February 11, taking area at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. In the UK, Ireland vs France is being broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 1:25pm.
Ireland vs France team news
Captain Johnny Sexton is crucially in shape after passing a HIA in an unchanged lower back department, with Gibson-Park alternative Conor Murray additionally beginning again after his own damage scare, sponsored up by Craig Casey.
Ulster’s Rob Herring deputises for Sheehan at hooker, with Ronan Kelleher named a number of the replacements. France continue to be with out Jonathan Danty who will leave out the complete Six Nations with a knee injury, at the side of forward Cameron Woki who suffered a hand fracture remaining month.
Matthieu Jalibert become the hero towards Italy as his late strive ensured France did now not go through a big disappointed in Rome, but he is named some of the replacements over again.
Head teach Fabien Galthie has saved religion inside the equal starting XV led by talismanic scrum-half of Antoine Dupont. On the bench, Francois Cros and Baptiste Couilloud update Thomas Lavault and Nolann Le Garrec.
Ireland vs France lineups
Ireland XV: Keenan; Hansen, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Sexton (c), Murray; Porter, Herring, Bealham; Beirne, Ryan; O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.
Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, O’Toole, Henderson, Conan, Casey, Byrne, Aki.
France XV: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Dumortier; Ntamack, Dupont (c); Baille, Marchand, Atonio; Flament, Willemse; Jelonch, Ollivon, Alldritt.
Replacements: Barlot, Wardi, Falatea, Taofifenua, Cros, Macalou, Couilloud, Jalibert.
Ireland vs France prediction
The two fine facets in the international, consistent with the respectable scores, look set to serve up a thrilling come across on Saturday.
Ireland proved too true for New Zealand, South Africa and Australia closing yr, and any fears they could have peaked too soon look to be unfounded after a ruthless show in Cardiff closing weekend.
France though are in a triumphing dependancy themselves, and they’re the best state to have won in Dublin because the 2019 World Cup. They were an extended way from their pleasant against Italy, but nevertheless found a manner to get the job executed.
Ill-area was a large trouble for France in Rome, conceding 18 penalties in a performance that would have infuriated defence coach Shaun Edwards. Any repeat of that this weekend and they’ll simply be punished.
They will ought to be lots-advanced towards Ireland, even though even that might not be enough with Andy Farrell’s side well-positioned to get revenge for his or her defeat in Paris 365 days in the past.
