Jalibert set to make France debut in Six Nations clash against Ireland

France head coach Jacques Brunel has named a new-look squad for the Six Nations opening clash against Ireland to be played at Stade de France on Saturday.

Bordeaux Begles' Matthieu Jalibert at just 19, will take the field at number 10 slot while Geoffrey Palis is also set to make his debut for France at fullback.

Jalibert will be accompanied by scrum-half Maxime Machenaud, who will make his 32nd Test appearance in what will be France's first game under Brunel after he has taken over from Guy Noves.

Kevin Gourdon has been shifted to number eight from flanker for the first time while Teddy Thomas and Virimi Vakatawa start on the wings.

Following the game against Ireland, France will head to BT Murrayfield to take on host Scotland in the second round on 11th February.

France starting line-up

Geoffrey Palis, Teddy Thomas, Remi Lamerat, Henry Chavancy, Virimi Vakatawa, Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Machenaud, Kevin Gourdon, Yacouba Camara, Wenceslas Lauret, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Arthur Iturria, Rabah Slimani, Guilhem Guirado (cap), Jefferson Poirot

Replacements: Adrien Pelissie, Dany Priso, Cedate Gomes Sa, Paul Gabrillagues, Marco Tauleigne, Antoine Dupont, Anthony Belleau, Benjamin Fall