France have, as expected, retained the 7-1 bench split for their massive clash with Ireland, while Damian Penaud and Romain Ntamack have been named in the starting line-up.
Described as a ‘risk’ by many observers, including Irish legend Brian O’Driscoll, Les Bleus have once again opted for the Springboks-inspired tactic for their trip to Dublin.
In what will likely be the Six Nations title decider, Les Bleus have been boosted by the return of Ntamack, who will line up alongside captain Antoine Dupont in the decision-making positions.
The fly-half missed the clashes with England and Italy due to the red card he received in the opener against Wales.
His two-match absence in the tournament then caused controversy once Ireland’s Garry Ringrose learned the outcome of his suspension.
Unlike Ntamack, Ringrose was able to count a club match towards his ban, meaning he misses just one Six Nations game – Saturday’s contest in Dublin.
Subplot and spice
That has caused uproar in France and the playmaker’s selection in the XV certainly adds another subplot, as well as some more spice, to proceedings.
As for Penaud, he was axed from the squad to take on Italy after making several errors in the narrow defeat to England, but he is back in the run-on side for the Ireland encounter.
The wing combines with Thomas Ramos, who shifts from fly-half to full-back following Ntamack’s return, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey in the back three.
Pierre-Louis Barassi and Yoram Moefana continue at centre, while up front they remain unchanged.
There were fitness concerns over number eight Gregory Alldritt but his inclusion is a huge boost for Fabien Galthie and he is part of a loose trio that once again contains Paul Boudehent and Francois Cros.
In the second-row, the hugely gifted Mickaël Guillard retains his place, despite the return to fitness of Emmanuel Meafou, and he partners Thibaud Flament, while Uini Atonio, Peato Mauvaka and Jean-Baptiste Gros are the front-row trio.
On the bench, it is stacked with seven forwards for the second round running with Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille and Dorian Aldegheri the front-row replacements.
Meafou takes the place of Romain Taofifenua and Hugo Auradou is in for Alexandre Roumat, with Anthony Jelonch the final option up front.
Once again, Maxime Lucu is the only back on the bench, meaning that Les Bleus will hope they don’t suffer any injuries in the backline.
France’s team to take on Ireland
France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Mickaël Guillard, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Emmanuel Meafou, 20 Hugo Auradou, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Anthony Jelonch, 23 Maxime Lucu
Date: Saturday, March 8
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 14:15 GMT
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Matthew Carley (England), Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
READ MORE: Ex-France star claims Garry Ringrose controversy ‘the best possible news’ for ‘fuming’ Les Bleus
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/france-team-v-ireland-fabien-galthie-boldly-backs-risky-springboks-tactic-as-romain-ntamack-returns-after-ban-controversy
