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Ireland v France, Six Nations 2023: What time is kick-off and what TV channel is it on?

Antoine Dupont - Ireland vs France, Six Nations 2023: What time is kick-off, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction? - Getty Images/Catherine Steenkeste
Antoine Dupont - Ireland vs France, Six Nations 2023: What time is kick-off, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction? - Getty Images/Catherine Steenkeste

France and Ireland entered the 2023 Six Nations as the favourites and their showdown in the second round of fixtures could decide who wins a Grand Slam, after both sides won their opening games – against Italy and Wales respectively.

France particularly are entering a landmark year. Not only do they have the chance to win back-to-back grand slams but they are also preparing for a home World Cup in the autumn.

In an interview with Telegraph Sport, head coach Fabien Galthié said: “It is so important to remain at the top. Not just this year, but we need to stay there for the next 10 years. This needs to be the start of a positive cycle. Those are the stakes: keeping French rugby at a high level.

“To do that, this is fundamental: we must continue to work in osmosis with the clubs. The clubs and the Fédération Française de Rugby must keep working together.”

What is the latest team news?

Ireland

Head coach Andy Farrell has yet to name his team, but will be selecting from the following 36-man squad:

Backs: Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Ross Byrne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Keith Earls, Jamison Gibson Park, Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Jordan Larmour, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Jimmy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne,
Garry Ringrose, Johnny Sexton, Jacob Stockdale.

Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Gavin Coombes, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Joe McCarthy, Michael Milne, Peter O’Mahony, Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Roman Salanoa, Dan Sheehan, Tom Stewart, Josh van der Flier.

France

Antoine Dupont will again captain France, while Toulouse team-mate Romain Ntamack starts at No 10 jersey. Full-back Thomas Ramos will kick for goal for Galthié’s side.

Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gaël Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Ethan Dumortier; Romain Ntamack,  Antoine Dupont (c); Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, Anthony Jelonch, Paul Willemse, Thibaud Flament, Uini Atonio, Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille.

Replacements: Gaëtan Barlot, Reda Wardi, Sipili Falatea, Romain Taofifenua, Thomas Lavault, Sekou Macalou, Nolann Le Garrec, Matthieu Jalibert.

When and where is Ireland v France?

This second-round match between Ireland and France will take place on Saturday February 11, with kick-off at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin at 2.15pm (GMT).

The other matches that weekend are Scotland v Wales at 4.45pm on the Saturday and England v Italy on Sunday at 3pm.

What TV channel is Ireland v France on?

Ireland vs France will be shown on ITV.

What happened in this fixture in 2022?

France set themselves on course for grand slam victory overcoming a well-fancied Ireland 30-24 at the Stade de France. Antoine Dupont opened the scoring with a try 67 seconds into the match, setting up an early lead for the home side, and although Ireland gathered themselves to come within a point’s striking distance, they were unable to extend their nine match-winning run.

Read Telegraph Sport’s full coverage of the match here.

Who is the referee?

Englishman Wayne Barnes will take charge of the match, with assistance coming from Matthew Carley (RFU) and Jordan Way (RA). Brendon Pickerill (NZR), meanwhile, will be television match official (TMO) for the day.

Ireland v France best of the latest odds

  • Ireland: 7/15

  • Draw: 24/1

  • France: 21/10

Odds correct as of February 8

What is our prediction?

Ireland 17 France 15

Arguably the most competitive game the Six Nations has ever seen, with Ireland to edge it if they can contain the France scrum.