French head coach Phillipe Saint-Andre has made one change for Saturday’s meeting with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
The French were under the pump for much of Saturday’s 15-8 win against the Scottish in Paris, but Saint-Andre has only made one enforced switch, backing his side to produce the goods this weekend in Dublin.
The only change comes at loosehead prop, with Eddy Ben Arous coming in for the injured Alexandre Menini, with Clermont’s Vincent Debaty promoted to the bench.
He’s partnered in the front row by Guilhem Guirado and Rabah Slimani, while Pascal Pape and Yoann Maetsri lock down behind them.
Thierry Dusautoir captains from blindside flanker, with Bernard LeRoux at openside and Damien Chouly at 8.
The backline is unchanged, as Rory Kockott and Camille Lopez continue their partnership in the half backs, while Mathieu Bastareaud and Wesley Fofana will provide Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne with a busy afternoon in the centres.
In the back three Teddy Thomas and Yoann Huget start on the wings, while Scott Spedding continues at full-back.
However, Liverpool centre-back Mamadou Sakho was snubbed by Saint-Andre, after he showed off his rugby skills at Anfield last night.
France: Scott Spedding; Yoann Huget, Mathieu Bastareaud, Wesley Fofana, Teddy Thomas; Camille Lopez, Rory Kockott; Eddy Ben Arous, Guilhem Guirado, Rabah Slimani; Pascal Pape, Yoann Maestri; Thierry Dusautoir, Bernard Le Roux, Damien Chouly.
Replacements: Benjamin Kayser, Uini Atonio, Vincent Debaty, Romain Taofifenua, Loann Goujon, Morgan Parra, Remi Tales, Remi Lamerat.
