Poitrenaud comes in at fullback. (c) Pierre-Selim.
Philippe Saint-André has made two changes to the France team ahead of Sunday’s rescheduled Six Nations clash with Ireland. Maxime Medard has been ruled out with the knee injury he suffered during the 23-17 victory over Scotland. His Toulouse teammate Clément Poitrenaud comes in at fullback. The only other change sees Julien Bonnaire promoted to the starting lineup in place of Louis Picamoles.
That switch means Imanol Harinordoquy reverts to his natural position at No.8, with Bonnaire starting at openside. With Medard out of the squad, Perpignan centre Maxime Mermoz is included on the bench. Saint-André has resisted the urge to include Lionel Beauxis at outhalf from the beginning, despite Francois Trinh-Duc’s lack of form in the opening two fixtures.
How do you rate this French team from what you have seen so far? Do you think they were lucky to beat Scotland last weekend? Which players do you think will be vital for them? Can Ireland win in Paris? Comment below with your opinions!
France team to face Ireland:
1. Jean-Baptiste Poux (Toulouse)
2. Dimitry Szarzewski (Stade Français)
3. Nicolas Mas (Perpignan)
4. Pascal Papé (Stade Français)
5. Yoann Maestri (Toulouse)
6. Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse, capt.)
7. Julien Bonnaire (Clermont)
8. Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz)
9. Morgan Parra (Clermont)
10. Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
11. Julien Malzieu (Clermont)
12. Wesley Fofana (Clermont)
13. Aurelien Rougerie (Clermont)
14. Vincent Clerc (Toulouse)
15. Clement Poitrenaud (Toulouse)
Subs
16. William Servat (Toulouse) 17. Vincent Debaty (Clermont) 18. Lionel Nallet (Racing-Métro) 19. Louis Picamoles (Toulouse) 20. Julien Dupuy (Stade Français) 21. Lionel Beauxis (Toulouse) 22. Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan).
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Photo courtesy: Pierre-Selim.
The Touchline 