Outhalf Romain Ntamack will return from suspension against Ireland in the Six Nations on Saturday, with winger Damian Penaud also back in the starting XV after missing games against Italy and England. As expected, France have also opted for a 7-1 split among their replacements for the pivotal clash at the Aviva Stadium.
Ntamack was banned from Les Bleus' 73-24 demolition of Italy after picking up a red card against Wales and being handed a two-match suspension. Penaud, who has 37 international tries and is one short of Serge Blanco’s all-time France record, also did not play against the Azzurri after a disappointing performance in the 26-25 defeat by England.
“[Ntamack} has been training with us throughout the tournament. He’s part of the team dynamic,” France coach Fabien Galthié explained. “Damian is back in the team because he has undeniable potential and he’s ready to play against Ireland.
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“This match has special stakes, we know that and that’s what we want,” Galthié added. “What’s more, it’s a match against the best European nation in the last three or four years. They’re a very high-level team, one of the two best nations in the world, if not the best, and they’re playing at home. It’s true that the challenge is immense. And taking on a huge challenge is what we’re looking for.”
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As for the 7-1 forwards-backs split on the bench, Galthié added: “The choice of a 7-1 bench is linked to the profiles of the most competitive players we currently have in the French team. Looking at the performances we’ve had for a while now, that’s what we think is the best way to perform.”
Ireland lead the standings on 14 points, three ahead of France, whose chances of winning the tournament hang in the balance when they visit Dublin. England are in third place with 10 points in advance of their home game with Italy on Sunday.
France: Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont (captain); Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio; Thibaud Flament, Mickaël Guillard; François Cros, Paul Boudehent, Grégory Alldritt. Replacements: Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Dorian Aldegheri, Emmanuel Meafou, Hugo Auradou, Oscar Jégou, Anthony Jelonch, Maxime Lucu
