2021 Six Nations Championship – Ireland vs France Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Ireland vs France taking place? Sunday 14th February, 2021 – 15:00
Where is Ireland vs France taking place? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Where can I get tickets for Ireland vs France? Visit this link for ticket information
What channel is Ireland vs France on? ITV
Where can I stream Ireland vs France? Ireland vs France can be streamed via ITV Player
THE TEAM NEWS
IRELAND
- An early O’Mahony red card away to Wales will have been a huge setback for Ireland but they still came fairly close to a victory with a try the difference in a 21-16 loss.
- The setbacks keep coming for Ireland head coach Andy Farrell as captain Johnny Sexton is left out alongside James Ryan following head injuries they suffered against Wales.
- Iain Henderson will step-up to captain the side as Billy Burns deputises at 10 for this must-win match in a rematch of the fixture that saw both teams lose the Six Nations title to England last October.
Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 CJ Stander, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Rhys Ruddock, 5 Iain Henderson (c), 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Andrew Porter, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Cian Healy
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Ed Byrne, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Ultan Dillane, 20 Will Connors, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Jordan Larmour
FRANCE
- France were exceptional in a 10-50 win away to Italy in Rome, scoring seven tries including a double from Teddy Thomas who will be benched for this fixture.
- Thomas’ benching is just another example of the incredible strength in depth head coach Fabien Galthie has developed over the last few seasons, with Clermont winger Damian Penaud coming in as replacement.
- Fellow try-0scorer against Italy Dylan Cretin is also swapped to the bench for Anthony Jelonch, who will partner Charles Ollivon and Gregory Aldritt in the back-row.
France: 15 Brice Dulin, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Arthur Vincent, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Gabin Villiere, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon (c), 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Bernard le Roux, 3 Mohamed Haouas, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille
Replacements: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Hassane Kolingar, 18 Uini Atonio, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Dylan Cretin, 21 Baptiste Serin, 22 Anthony Bouthier, 23 Teddy Thomas
THE PREDICTION
This match could be a real turning point in the story of this young French side as they travel to the Aviva Stadium to face a depleted Ireland. Without captain Johnny Sexton and several other big names, the hosts will have to draw all their resolve to avoid another defeat to Les Bleus less than five months after they lost their hopes of a Six Nations title in a 35-27 defeat in Paris. France scored 50 points against Italy last week but looked like they had several more gears to reach and this should be a statement victory for the visitors. Ireland will do their best to keep the scores down but France to win a match that comes just under 40 points looks on here.
