![[Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/99827405/188ae6c0926312707ba96b26ed4390a5da9fca59cf71edb1f8a82b24979c83bf)
Overview
- France confirmed its starting XV for February 5 at the Stade de France, with Antoine Dupont back at scrum-half alongside Matthieu Jalibert and a backline featuring Moefana, Depoortere, Bielle-Biarrey, Attissogbe and Ramos.
- In the pack, Dorian Aldegheri starts at tighthead after Uini Atonio’s cardiac-related retirement, Charles Ollivon pairs with Mickaël Guillard at lock, and the back row is Jelonch, Cros and Jegou, with Cros fit to start.
- Fabien Galthié’s reshaped group omits established internationals Damian Penaud, Gaël Fickou and Grégory Alldritt as part of a broader refresh.
- Ireland’s lineup is set with Sam Prendergast at fly-half and Caelan Doris as captain, James Lowe left out, and a 6–2 bench including Jack Crowley among the replacements.
- Kickoff is 21:10 on Thursday on France 2; separately, World Rugby released the 2027 World Cup schedule with France opening against the United States on October 2 in Melbourne.