France vs Ireland Preview & Prediction | 2022 Six Nations Championship
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THE FACTS
When is France vs Ireland on and what time does it start? France vs Ireland will take place on Saturday 12th February, 2022 – 16:45 (UK)
Where is France vs Ireland taking place? France vs Ireland will take place at Stade de France in Paris, France
Where can I get tickets for France vs Ireland? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for France vs Ireland
What channel is France vs Ireland on in the UK? France vs Ireland will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream France vs Ireland in the UK? France vs Ireland can be streamed live on the ITV Hub
THE TEAM NEWS
FRANCE
- France got their promising 2022 Six Nations campaign underway with a comprehensive 37-10 victory over Italy, featuring an excellent hat-trick from Gabin Villiere.
- Head coach Fabien Galthie has made two changes for this vital clash with title rivals Ireland as Yoram Moefana replaces the injured Jonathan Danty and Francois Cros comes in for Dylan Cretin.
France: 15 Melvyn Jaminet, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Gabin Vilière, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Francois Cros, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille
Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Thibaud Flament, 21 Dylan Cretin, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Thomas Ramos
IRELAND
- Ireland were exceptional in a 29-7 dismissal of reigning champions Wales at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday to open the 2022 Six Nations tournament with a huge statement of intent.
- They face this potentially title-deciding Six Nations clash without captain Johnny Sexton after the 36-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in training, with James Ryan taking over as captain and Joey Carbery starting at fly-half.
Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Joey Carbery, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan (c) 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Peter O’Mahony, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Carty, 23 Robbie Henshaw
THE PREDICTION
This could well be the match of the series between the two pre-tournament favourites with France looking the likelier winners after taking their last two meetings both in Paris and last season’s 13-15 clash in Dublin. Clashes between the two have ended up handing the opportunities to the likes of England and Wales over the last few editions but with a significant home advantage here for Fabien Galthie’s ever-improving side the hosts look set for a feel-good day at the Stade de France. Take France to cover at least -4 with Ireland missing their talismanic captain to boot. There is the slightest whiff of a famous rout here for the hosts.
