Six Nations: Ireland v France - Jacques Brunel names unchanged side
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Scrum-half Dupont is covered on the bench by 24-year-old Baptiste Serin
Six Nations: Ireland v France |
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Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Sunday, 10 March Kick-off: 15:00 GMT |
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and Radio Ulster, BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app, plus live text commentary online. |
France head coach Jacques Brunel has named an unchanged side for Sunday's Six Nations match against holders Ireland in Dublin.
Brunel has selected the same starting team and replacements that secured the win at home to Scotland in the last round of matches.
"The context will be different and I hope our pack will put the half-backs in good conditions," Brunel said.
After losing at home to England, Ireland have won in Scotland and Italy.
France beat Scotland after losing their opener to Wales and suffering a heavy defeat by England.
As a result of the 27-10 victory over Gregor Townsend's side, Brunel has kept faith in young half-backs Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack after their promising performance in Paris two weeks ago.
Ntamack made his Test debut for France in the Six Nations opener against Wales
With Ireland expected to use Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray's kicking game to unsettle France, 23-year-old Thomas Ramos again starts at full-back.
France, who lost 24-19 to Wales in their opener, paid a heavy price for fielding winger Yoann Huget at full-back against England.
They also played centres on the wings in the 44-8 thrashing by England, when they were bombarded by their rivals' offensive kicks.
"We work on this every week," said Brunel. "The Irish know how to put you under pressure with high kicks, notably with Murray, and we worked on this specifically.
"We will have to make smart choices. They have a very efficient defence and they are very good in the rucks.
"We need to be more consistent and be able to reproduce what we did against Scotland."
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt will name his side for Sunday's match on Friday.
France team to face Ireland: Ramos; Penaud, Bastareaud, Fickou; Huget, Ntamack; Dupont, Poirot; Guirado (c), Bamba, Vahaamahina, Lambey, Lauret, Iturria, Picamoles.
Replacements: Chat, Falgoux, Aldegheri, Willemse, Alldritt, Serin, Belleau, Medard.