Minimal changes for France

France coach Philippe Saint-André has made just one change to his side to face Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Saint-André has been criticised during his tenure for the lack of consistency in his selection, but has bucked the trend this week, making just one injury-enforced change. Prop Eddy Ben Arous will replace the injured Alexandre Menini in the front row.

Meanwhile, the South African-born trio of fullback Scott Spedding, scrumhalf Rory Kockott and No 8 Bernard le Roux have all retained their starting spots in the team.

France memorably lost to Ireland last year in Brian O'Driscoll's last Test, and will be out for revenge after starting their campaign with a scratchy 15-8 win over Scotland in Paris.

France – 15 Scott Spedding, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Teddy Thomas, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Bernard Le Roux, 7 Damien Chouly, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Pascal Papé, 4 Yoann Maestri, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Eddy Ben Arous.
Subs: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Uini Atonio, 18 Vincent Debaty, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Loann Goujon, 21 Morgan Parra, 22 Remi Tales, 23 Rémi Lamerat.

Photo: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP Photo