Six Nations: Preview - France vs Ireland
This weekend's only fixture sees France take on Ireland at the Stade de France after the original fixture was postponed three weeks ago due to a frozen pitch.
France coach Phillipe Saint-André has made two changes to his side for the visit of Declan Kidney's Ireland. Maxime Medard suffered a knee injury in Sunday's 23-17 triumph over Scotland at Murrayfield and is unable to take part this weekend meaning Toulouse's Clement Poitrenaud will play at full-back. The other change sees Julien Bonnaire come into the starting XV to fill the flanker position with Louis Picamoles dropping to the bench meaning Imanol Harinordoquy will shift to number eight.
Ireland are unchanged from their 42-10 win over Jacques Brunel's Italy in Dublin last weekend. Rob Kearney was initially a doubt for the trip to France after he picked up a groin injury against the Azzurri but he has been declared fit to play. Ireland will be looking to draw level with Les Bleus in the Six Nations table with a win in France, a feat they have not achieved since March 2000 when they secured a 25-27 win thanks to Brian O'Driscoll's hat-trick of tries.
Both sides enjoyed victories last time out but Ireland's record in France is woeful and Saint-André's side still have strong ambitions of securing the Grand Slam and should be strong enough to overcome Declan Kidney's men.
