Unchanged French side to battle Ireland in France
France v Ireland captured by Ross Land /AP
France boss Marc Lievremont has confirmed his confidence in his side by selecting the same squad as they prepare to take on Ireland at the Stade de France on Saturday.
Lievremont’s side began their Six Nations well with a comfortable win over Scotland at Murrayfield but picked up several injuries, notably to Clermont Auvergne wing Aurelien Rougerie, who lasted only minutes after putting in two crushing hits.
France’s big left wing Aurélien Rougerie has since withdrawn from the French team to play Ireland in a vital clash on Saturday.
In his place, Mark Lièvremont has called up Alexis Palisson, a 22-year-old from Brive, who made his debut for France in Australia in 2008.
There are also concerns over Bayonne wing Benjamin Fall and Castres prop Luc Ducalcon, who will be assessed by the medical staff.
“The group of 23 players will be retained despite the uncertainties,” Lievremont said. “It’s been a while since there was continuity in the France team, given injuries and dips in form.”
France squad to face Ireland:
Forwards: T Domingo (Clermont Auvergne), L Ducalcon (Castres), S Marconnet (Stade Francais), N Mas (Perpignan), W Servat (Toulouse), D Szarzewski (Stade Francais), P Pape (Stade Francais), L Nallet (Racing-Metro), J Pierre (Clermont Auvergne), J Bonnaire (Clermont Auvergne), T Dusautoir (Toulouse), I Harinordoquy (Biarritz), F Ouedraogo (Montpellier)
Backs: M Parra (Clermont Auvergne), F Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), F Michalak (Toulouse), M Bastareaud (Stade Francais), Y Jauzion (Toulouse), D Marty (Perpignan), V Clerc (Toulouse), A Rougerie (Clermont Auvergne), B Fall (Bayonne), C Poitrenaud (Toulouse)
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