Teddy Thomas benched as France change two

Adam Kyriacou

France have made two changes to their starting line-up that will take on Ireland in Round Two of the Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

Those alterations see one tweak apiece in the backline and pack as head coach Fabien Galthie largely keeps the faith in the side that saw off Italy 50-10.

There is a promotion to the starting XV for Clermont wing Damian Penaud, who takes the place of a benched Teddy Thomas for the meeting in Dublin.

Meanwhile, Anthony Jelonch runs out on the flank for last week’s try-scorer Dylan Cretin, joining Charles Ollivon and Gregory Alldritt in the back-row.

Galthie has made three alterations on the replacements bench for this week’s clash as Hassane Kolingar and Uini Atonio come in as two new props while there is a spot for Anthony Bouthier in the number 22 jersey. He takes the place of Louis Carbonel.

Galthie admits France will have to adapt to Ireland being without injured half-back duo Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray but does not expect the inclusion of deputies Billy Burns and Jamison Gibson-Park to significantly alter the opposition’s play.

“This is the combination that ended the game against Wales which begins,” coach Galthie said of Burns and Gibson-Park.

“We will have to adapt to this change. It won’t change the way they play too much.

“We will have to block them at the ruck exits because Gibson-Park likes to carry the ball. Burns is of the same calibre. This team is experienced.”

Prepared

Les Bleus are bidding for a first Six Nations success at the Aviva Stadium in a decade, having failed to win on their past four visits.

Galthie added: “You have to be prepared for any challenge, anywhere and against anyone.

“You have to prepare to experience chaos as solidly as possible. This is what we prepare for without forgetting to face the unexpected.”

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

Date: Sunday, February 14
Venue: Aviva Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant Referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Tom Foley (England)