France name familiar XV to face Johnny Sexton-less Ireland in Six Nations duel

02/10/2022

Fabien Galthie has made two changes to his starting line-up as Six Nations title favourites France look to continue their winning start to the competition against Ireland on Saturday.

Les Bleus enjoyed a second-half surge to beat Italy 37-10 in their curtain-raiser last Sunday when Toulon winger Gabin Villiere crossed over for three of their five tries at the Stade de France.

And their chances of adding to the win column in Week 2 look more positive after Ireland confirmed star fly-half Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of the fixture due to a hamstring strain.

Inside centre Jonathan Danty started in Paris last week but has been forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury and will be replaced by Yoram Moefana, who will be making just his second international start.

Francois Cros is the only other change as he replaces Dylan Cretin at blindside flanker, meaning Anthony Jelonch will move across to openside for the visit of Ireland.

Toulouse team-mate Jelonch intercepted to score the opening try against Italy and has unsurprisingly kept his place in the XV, while Antoine Dupont continues to captain the side in Charles Ollivon's absence.

Andy Farrell's Ireland also got off to a winning in the competition after they hammered Wales 29-7 in Dublin, where Andrew Conway made his own prolific start with two first-round tries.

The travelling team will be crestfallen after learning Sexton won't be fit for the trip, however, as Munster's Joey Carbery takes his place in the No. 10 jersey.

Veterans Robbie Henshaw and Iain Henderson are back on Ireland's bench after being deemed unfit to face Wales, meanwhile.

France are desperate to end their 12-year search for a Six Nations crown, and it's believed Saturday's clash at the Stade de France could be a potential shoot-out following England's Week 1 loss in Scotland.

Who will win at the Stade de France on Saturday? Let us know in the comments section.

Ireland haven't lifted the northern-hemisphere title since 2018 when Joe Schmidt was in charge, though Farrell has drawn praise for the more attacking philosophy he's imprinted on the team.

Both Les Bleus and the boys in green notched November wins over New Zealand, encouraging confidence ahead of next year's Rugby World Cup in France.

France have got the better of Ireland in their previous two encounters and emerged as 15-13 victors in Dublin last year, seeking three straight wins in this fixture for the first time since 2011.

Wales and Scotland will kick off this weekend's Six Nations action at the Principality Stadium before France host Ireland, with the action set to get underway at 4.45pm.

France team vs. Ireland

(Backs) Melvyn Jaminet; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Gabin Villiere; Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont (capt); (Forwards) Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Uini Atonio; Cameron Woki, Paul Willemse; Francois Cros, Anthony Jelonch, Gregory Alldritt

Reps: Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Demba Bamba, Romain Taofifenua, Thibaud Flament, Dylen Cretin, Maxime Lucu, Thomas Ramos

Source: Read Full Article