Six Nations
Six Nations - France make six changes for Ireland clash
ESPN Staff
February 11, 2016
France seek revenge against Ireland

France have made six changes to their starting XV for Saturday's RBS Six Nations clash against Ireland in Paris.

Teddy Thomas, Maximo Mermoz, Yacouba Camara, Alexandre Flanquart, Uini Atonio and Jefferson Poirot all come in to Guy Noves' side, while Damien Chouly starts at number eight following Louis Picamoles' tournament-ending hamstring injury during last weekend's victory over Italy.

Mermoz comes in for centre Gael Fickou, who misses out for personal reasons. Captain Guilhem Guirado will win his 40th Test cap when the two teams meet at the Stade de France. Props Eddy Ben Arous and Rabah Slimani drop to the bench.

France head coach Noves said: "We have worked our defensive organisation, to try to counter the Irish. It will be a tough match, but it is hoped that it will be difficult also for the Irish."

Guirado added: "We focus on our task. We must catch up on the defensive sector while continuing to play. I focus on our game. We want to show beautiful things and impose our game."

France (to face Ireland): Medard, Thomas, Mermoz, Danty, Vakatawa, Plisson, Bezy; Poirot, Guirado (c), Atonio, Flanquart, Maestri, Lauret, Camara, Chouly.

Replacements: Chat, Slimani, Ben Arous, Jedrasiak, Goujon, Machenaud, Doussain, Bonneval

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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