After having ensured the essential in front of Italy (37-10), the XV of France will switch to a first “final” on Saturday (5:45 p.m.) at the Stade de France, against the other big favorite of the 2022 Six Nations Tournament: ireland. The Irish, who delivered an XXL performance against Wales (29-7), will be deprived of their emblematic captain, Johnny Sexton, forfeit. Corn “It’s going to be a tough match”, commented coach Fabien Galthié, back after a week working from home after testing positive for Covid-19. “Ireland is the best European adversary at the moment with the ambition, like us, of snatching a victory”.
XV of France almost unchanged
On Saturday, Bordeaux-Bègles center Yoram Moefana and Toulouse third row François Cros will start the game in an otherwise unchanged starting XV. Apart from Moefana, who replaces the injured Jonathan Danty, and Cros, who replaces Dylan Cretin, thirteen of the fifteen holders of the victorious team from Italy (37-10) last Sunday during the first day retain their place.
The composition of the XV of France
Jaminet – Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Villière – (o) Ntamack, (m) Dupont (cap.) – Jelonch, Alldritt, Cros – Willemse, Woki – Atonio, Marchand, Baille.
Replacements: Mauvaka, Gros, Bamba, Taofifenua, Flament, Cretin, Lucu, Ramos.