Ireland will begin the defence of their Grand Slam as they take on France on Friday night in Marseille. The fixture will kick off the 2024 Guinness Six Nations and Andy Farrell's side will look to immediately bounce back from their World Cup quarterfinal exit to New Zealand back in November. Here's everything you need to know about Ireland v France.
France suffered a similar heartbreak in their loss to South Africa at the same stage of the tournament, on the same weekend. Both sides will be missing hugely influential players as Ireland kick off the post-Johnny Sexton era while France will be without Antoine Dupont as he focuses on his 7s commitments for the Paris Olympics. New captains have taken the helm for both countries, with Peter O'Mahony coming into the role for Ireland and Gregory Aldritt marshalling the French in Dupont's stead.
These are not the only key absentees for both sides as Ireland go into the tournament without Jimmy O'Brien and Mack Hansen. France, on the other hand, are missing an array of talent such as Romain Ntamack, Anthony Jelonch and Thibaud Flament.
READ HERE: Ronan O'Gara Identifies France Star As Bigger Loss Than Dupont For Ireland Game
When Is Ireland v France?
The match will take place this Friday 2 February at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille at 8pm.
How To Watch Ireland v France
The match will be live on Virgin Media One with coverage kicking off at 7pm.
11 February 2023; Caelan Doris of Ireland takes the ball in a lineout during the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and France at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Irish Team News
For Ireland, Peter O'Mahony begins his stint as captain as he starts on the blindside. There are huge opportunities for Joe McCarthy and Calvin Nash as they both make their Six Nations debuts. McCarthy, who was superb during the World Cup is entrusted by Farrell in the second row with Tadhg Beirne as James Ryan spends a rare occasion on the bench.
However, all eyes will be firmly fixed on the performance of Jack Crowley as he makes his first start in the competition as he aims to smoothly transition into Ireland's premier out half. Garry Ringrose is ruled out through injury and returned home early from the teams training base in Portugal. Robbie Henshaw takes his place as he partners his old Connacht teammate Bundee Aki in the centres.
Cian Healy has returned from the injury that ruled him out of the World Cup and makes the bench as Ireland opt for a 6-2 spilt. Connor Murray keeps his place as a replacement ahead of his in-form Munster teammate Craig Casey while Ciarán Frawley will also hope to make his Six Nations debut off the bench.
Our team for a Friday night opener in Marseille! 👊#TeamOfUs
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 31, 2024
French Team News
Fabien Galthie has made five changes to the side that exited the World Cup at the hands of South Africa. Maxime Lucu will attempt to fill the void left by Antoine Dupont at scrum half, Nolann Le Garrec comes onto the bench while Mathieu Jalibert continues at 10.
Elsewhere, Yoram Moefana starts on the left wing as Louis Bielle-Biarrey is the only other back option on the replacements. Similar to Ireland France will employ a 6-2 split for the match in Marseille.
In the forwards Francois Cos, comes in at blindside flanker in place of the injured Jelonch. There's also a change up in the second row partnership with Paul Willemse and Paul Gabrillagues given an opportunity with Cameron Woki providing bench cover. Along with him is hooker Julian Marchand and backrow Paul Boudehent who are brought into the 23.
🇫🇷⚡️☘️ 𝑹𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒛-𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒔 à Marseille ! 🔥#XVdeFrance #NeFaisonsXV #FRAIRL pic.twitter.com/9nYG34lTGZ
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) January 31, 2024
