In a marked change of approach from his barmy predecessor, France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has selected the same squad for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Ireland in Paris.
Saint-Andre’s first selection eased to a 30-12 win over Italy last weekend and in a move that contrasts greatly with the oddity of former coach Marc Lievremont, he will send the same 23-man squad into action at the Stade de France this weekend.
Louis Picamoles, the powerful Toulouse Number 8 who was preferred to Imanol Harinordoquy against Italy, and Clermont-Auvergne centre Wesley Fofana are expected to retain their starting spots against Declan Kidney’s men.
However, Saint-Andre (pictured top left with coach Yannick Bru) has declared that he will make changes to his starting line-up, with Harinordoquy tipped to come into the back row alongside Picamoles – Julien Bonnaire is the man most likely to make way – and Lionel Beauxis in line to replace the erratic Francois Trinh-Duc at out half.
He said, “We have decided to keep the same 23 players. We had hesitations about two or three positions but after reviewing the video of the match twice, it was thought that there was a great need to see this squad work together again.
“I think the starting XV will change. The whole group has invested, concentrated and applied themselves this week. We also had a quality bench against Italy. The replacements brought speed, freshness and energy.”
France squad (v Ireland, 11/02/2012):
Forwards: David Attoub, Vincent Debaty, Nicolas Mas, Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Dimitri Szarzewski, Pascal Pape, Yoann Maestri, Lionel Nallet, Julien Bonnaire, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Louis Picamoles, Imanol Harinordoquy.
Backs: Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili, Francois Trinh-Duc, Lionel Beauxis, Aurelien Rougerie, Maxime Mermoz, Wesley Fofana, Vincent Clerc, Julien Malzieu, Maxime Medard.
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