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France and Ireland will be looking to bounce back from their Rugby World Cup disappointments when they open the Six Nations in Marseille.
The host nation’s team and the world’s top-ranked team each ended their fall tournaments with narrow losses in the quarterfinals, and are back in action eager to right some wrongs.
The pair have established themselves as the top two in the championship in recent years, with France completing the Grand Slam in 2022 and Ireland matching that feat a year ago.
Therefore, this opening game could very well be the deciding match for the Six Nations as both teams return to contention after performing well.
Here’s everything you need to know. Get the latest Six Nations Click here for odds and tips.
When is France vs Ireland?
France vs. Ireland is scheduled to kick off on Friday 2 February at 8pm GMT at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. France will play its three home games in this year’s Six Nations away from the Stade de France, where preparations are underway to host the 2024 Olympics.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on ITV1, which will be broadcast on the channel from 7:15pm GMT. You can watch it online through the streaming platform ITVX.
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team news
In the absence of Antoine Dupont, who is aiming for Olympic gold in the French sevens team, Maxime Luk will start at scrum-half and Gregory Aldritt will take over as France’s captain. Due to injuries to Emmanuel Mehhout and Thibault Flamand, Paul Willemse and Paul Gabriag will pair up in the second row, with the versatile Yoram Moefana preferred over Louis Biel Bialley on the wing, and the two at Bordeaux-Begles. Both maintain their flying form.
Nolan Le Garrec should make his debut at scrum-half off the bench, including six forwards in the familiar split used by Fabien Galthie.
Jack Crowley has replaced the retired Johnny Sexton at Ireland’s fly-half, while Munster team-mate Calvin Nash has been the benefactor of right-winger Mack Hansen’s injury. Garry Ringrose was also left out of the opening game, with Robbie Henshaw starting at number 13. Joe McCarthy has been outstanding for Leinster this season and is preferred over James Ryan and Ian Henderson as Tadhg Balin’s engine room partner.
Andy Farrell has a wealth of experience among his substitutes and has opted for a bench of six forwards and two backs. Loosehead Cian Healy needs nine more caps to overtake Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland’s most capped player.
lineup
France XV: 1 Cyril Baille, 2 Pete Mauvaca, 3 Wini Atonio. 4 Paul Gavrilags, 5 Paul Willemse. 6 François Clos, 7 Charles Ollibon, 8 Gregory Aldritt (captain). 9 Maxime Luk, 10 Mathieu Jalibert. 11 Yoram Moefana, 12 Jonathan Danti, 13 Gael Ficou, 14 Damien Penault. 15 Thomas Ramos.
Substitutes: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Leda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegueri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Cameron Woki, 21 Paul Boudegent. 22 Nolan Le Garrec, 23 Louis Biel Bialley.
Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tad Furlong. 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne. 6 Peter O’Mahony (Captain), 7 Josh van der Vlier, 8 Sheeran Doris. 9 Jamison Gibson Park, 10 Jack Crowley. 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundy Aki, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Calvin Nash. 15 Hugo Keenan.
Substitutes: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Jack Conan. 22 Conor Murray, 23 Ciaran Frawley.
odds
France victory 7/12
Draw 22/1
Ireland won 17/10
Get the latest rugby betting site offers here.
prediction
The thrilling opening match ended in a draw. France 25-25 Ireland.