France replicates Boks' bench for Six Nations 'Final'
Today at 05:54 AM
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France opted for a seven-one forward-heavy bench split for their potential Six Nations decider against Ireland at Lansdowne Road, head coach Fabien Galthie announced on Thursday.
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Romain Ntamack and Gregory Alldritt have been named in the starting line-up.
The 25-year-old Ntamack makes his first appearance since the Round One win over Wales after missing the defeat to England and victory over Italy with a suspension.
The 27-year-old No.8 Gregory Alldritt sat out two training sessions this week due to a groin injury but is included for Saturday's game in Dublin.
A victory for France at Lansdowne Road over top-of-the-table, unbeaten Ireland would open up the race for the Championship before the final round of matches.
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France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (captain), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Mickael 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.
Date: Saturday, March 8
Venue: Lansdowne Road, Dublin
Kick-off:14.15 (15.15 France time; 14.15 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (England), Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
