Six Nations: France go with 7-1 split as Ireland legends get Dublin send-off

Once considered a risky maneuver that only Rassie Erasmus would attempt, Les Bleus have once again opted for the Springbok-inspired tactic by loading their bench with forward power.

In what will likely be the Six Nations title decider, France have been boosted by the return of Romain Ntamack, who will line up alongside captain Antoine Dupont in the decision-making positions.

The flyhalf missed the clashes with England and Italy due to the red card he received in the opener against Wales.

Winger Damian Penaud was axed from the squad to take on Italy after making several errors in the narrow defeat to England, but he is back in the run-on side for the Ireland encounter.

The wing combines with Thomas Ramos, who shifts from flyhalf to fullback following Ntamack's return, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey in the back three.

There were fitness concerns over number eight Gregory Alldritt but his inclusion is a huge boost for Galthie and he is part of a loose trio that once again contains Paul Boudehent and Francois Cros.

Meanwhile, Caelan Doris has returned from injury to captain an Ireland squad which includes the three players that will retire from international duty.

It was announced last week that Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy and Conor Murray would depart the Test scene after the Six Nations and they have all been selected in the 23.

O'Mahony starts in the back-row while Healy and Murray have been selected as part of a 6-2 split on the bench as Ireland look to combat France's forward power.

The main selection call comes on the wing with Mack Hansen picking up an injury that rules him out of the all-important clash.

Jamie Osborne, who started their previous match against Wales at full-back, therefore shifts from 15 to 14 to replace Hansen.

James Lowe completes the back three, while Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki combine at centre with Garry Ringrose banned.

Tadhg Beirne and Joe McCarthy retain their places at lock while Bealham partners Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter in the front row.

Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jamie Osborne, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O™Mahony, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter

Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Ryan Baird, 22 Conor Murray, 23 Jack Crowley

France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Mickaël Guillard, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros

Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Emmanuel Meafou, 20 Hugo Auradou, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Anthony Jelonch, 23 Maxime Lucu

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