Ireland vs France live stream: How to watch Six Nations fixture online and on TV
France make the trip to Dublin to face Ireland in a potentially crucial Six Nations clash as the top two ranked men’s teams go head-to-head.
Fabien Galthié’s men squeezed past a resolute Italy in their Six Nations opener with Matthieu Jalibert’s second half try the difference between the teams. That victory took France’s unbeaten run to 14 games and they’ll be keen to extend that on Saturday.
In was a contrasting performance for Ireland who romped to victory against Wales thanks to a dominant opening half-hour that saw them head into half-time 24 points ahead.
France narrowly edged out Ireland in Paris last year on their way to Grand Slam triumph so the hosts will want revenge as they eye their own championship clean sweep.
Here’s everything you need to know:
When is Ireland vs France?
Ireland vs France is due to kick off at 2.15pm GMT on Saturday 11 February at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
How can I watch it?
The match is due to be shown live on ITV1, with coverage from 1.25pm GMT. Registered users can stream the game via ITVX.
What is the team news?
Johnny Sexton has been declared fit to play for Ireland after missing last year’s meeting between these two teams. The fly-half and captain had suffered a dead leg during the second half of the win against Wales, but is ready to lead his side in a potential championship decider.
There is worse news for Andy Farrell on Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy and Jamison Gibson-Park though – both props and the scrum half are still out after missing Ireland’s Six Nations opener through injury, with Finlay Bealham, Andrew Porter and Conor Murray again starting in their stead. Another injury blow has seen Dan Sheehan miss out with a hamstring injury, so Rob Herring starts at hooker and Ronan Kelleher, himself returning from injury, comes on to the bench in the only changes to the 23.
Continuing a season of significant injury woes, France wing Gabin Villiere has reportedly undergone surgery on a fractured shin, with Ethan Dumortier continuing in the back three after a try-scoring debut against Italy. Jonathan Danty and Cameron Woki are two first-choice starters currently unavailable to Fabien Galthie, who has stuck with the same starting side despite an up-and-down performance in Rome.
Changes have been made on the bench though, with Toulouse back-rower Francois Cros and Lyon scrum-half Baptiste Couilloud replacing La Rochelle lock Thomas Lavault and Racing 92 No 9 Nolann Le Garrec
Confirmed line-ups
Ireland XV: 15. Hugo Keenan; 14. Mack Hansen, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. James Lowe; 10. Johnny Sexton (capt), 9. Conor Murray; 1. Andrew Porter, 2. Rob Herring, 3. Finlay Bealham; 4. Tadhg Beirne, 5. James Ryan; 6. Peter O’Mahony, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris
Replacements: 16. Ronan Kelleher, 17. Dave Kilcoyne, 18. Tom O’Toole, 19. Iain Henderson, 20. Jack Conan, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Ross Byrne, 23. Bundee Aki
France XV: 15. Thomas Ramos; 14. Damian Penaud, 13. Gael Fickou, 12. Yoram Moefana, 11. Ethan Dumortier; 10. Romain Ntamack, 9. Antoine Dupont (capt); 1. Cyril Baille, 2. Julien Marchand, 3. Uini Atonio;4. Thibaud Flament, 5. Paul Willemse; 6. Anthony Jelonch, 7. Charles Ollivon, 8. Gregory Alldritt
Replacements: 16. Gaetan Barlot, 17. Reda Wardi, 18. Sipili Falatea, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Francois Cros, 21. Sekou Macalou, 22. Baptiste Couilloud, 23. Matthieu Jalibert
