Caelan Doris back in time for Ireland v France, Romain Ntamack returns from suspension at No. 10 in Six Nations clash
Updated 06/03/2025 at 13:45 GMT
This year's edition of the Six Nations has been as unpredictable as ever, and who knows what will happen next as France prepare to face Ireland at Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Les Bleus' starting XV has been announced, with Romain Ntamack set to return at No. 10 and Damian Penaud being named on the wing. Ireland have Caelan Doris back, but Mack Hansen will miss the match due to injury.
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Caelan Doris is set to win his 50th cap for Ireland after recovering in time to start their Six Nations clash with France on Saturday.
The No. 8 missed his side's 27-18 triumph over Wales in the previous round due to a knee injury.
However, Mack Hansen has been ruled out for the match, with Jamie Osborne moving from full-back to the wing in his place.
Hansen did not feature in Ireland's win over Scotland last month due to a problem with his hamstring, but he did play 70 minutes of the win against Wales.
Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby believes his side are in for a tough game at Aviva Stadium.
"The team has worked hard again this week and the preparation has been positive for what we know will be a huge test against France," he said.
"There's great respect and rivalry between the two teams and it should be a cracking contest."
Hugo Keenan and James Lowe join Osborne in the back three, with Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki linking up in midfield.
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Jamie Gibson-Park and Sam Prendergast are at No. 9 and No. 10, while Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Finlay Bealham are all included in the front row.
Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne have been named in the engine room, while Peter O'Mahony and Josh van der Flier join Doris in the back row.
O'Mahony plus substitutes Cian Healy and Conor Murray are in line to make their final appearances for Ireland at Aviva Stadium, and Easterby hopes the home crowd can give them a great send-off.
"This weekend gives the Irish public the chance to mark the final home international appearances for Peter, Cian and Conor – three stalwarts of Irish rugby who help drive the highest standards in our camp," he added.
Ntamack returns fo France
Romain Ntamack will start at fly-half for France's Six Nations clash against Ireland on Saturday after returning from suspension.
Ntamack has missed Les Bleus' last two matches after being shown a red card in their 43-0 triumph over Wales.
Damian Penaud will return to the wing in place of Theo Attissogbe, after missing out on the squad for France's victory over Italy last time out.
Head coach Fabien Galthie emphasised how important the duo are to his team ahead of the clash.
"[Ntamack] has been training with us throughout the tournament. He's part of the team dynamic," he said.
"Damian is back in the team because he has undeniable potential and he's ready to play against Ireland."
France had just one back and seven forwards on their bench for the win against Italy last month, and they will repeat the tactic at Aviva Stadium this weekend.
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"The choice of a 7-1 bench is linked to the profiles of the most competitive players we currently have in the French team," he added.
"Looking at the performances we've had for a while now, that's what we think is the best way to perform."
The front row is comprised of Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka and Uini Atonio, while Thibaud Flament and Mickael Guillard occupy the engine room.
Francois Cros, Paul Boudehent and Gregory Alldritt complete the forward pack, while Antoine Dupont will partner Ntamack at scrum-half.
Thomas Ramos and Louis Bielle-Biarrey make up the back three, while Pierre-Louis Barassi and Yoram Moefana are named in the centre.
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"This match has special stakes, we know that and that's what we want," added Galthie.
"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."
Teams
Ireland Starting XV: Hugo Keenan; Jamie Osborne, Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamie Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Finlay Bealham; Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O'Mahony, Josh Van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt).
Replacements: Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Tom Clarkson, James Ryan, Jack Conan, Ryan Baird, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley
France Starting XV: 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, Mickael Guillard; Francois Cros, Paul Boudehent, Gregory Alldritt.
Replacements: Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Dorian Aldegheri, Emmanuel Meafou, Hugo Auradou, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Maxime Lucu.
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