What time is the start and what TV channel is it on?

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

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

France and Ireland entered the 2023 Six Nations as favorites and their meeting in the second round of matches could decide who wins a Grand Slam, after both teams won their opening games, against Italy and Wales respectively.

France in particular is entering a historic year. Not only do they have a chance to win back-to-back Grand Slams, but they are also gearing up for a World Cup on home soil in the fall.

In an interview with Telegraph Sport, head coach Fabien Galthié said: “It is very important to stay on top. Not just this year, but we need to stay there for the next 10 years. This should be the beginning of a positive cycle. That is what is at stake: keeping French rugby at a high level.

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

When and where is Ireland vs France?

This second round match between Ireland and France will take place on Saturday, February 11, kicking off at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin at 14:15 (GMT).

The other matches that weekend are Scotland-Wales at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday and England-Italy on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

What TV channel is Ireland v France on?

Ireland vs France will be broadcast on ITV.

What is the latest team news?

Ireland

Head coach Andy Farrell has yet to name his team, but he will select 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.

Forward: 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 once again captain France, while his Toulouse teammate Romain Ntamack starts in the number 10 shirt. Full-back Thomas Ramos will kick on goal for Galthié’s men.

Tomas 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.

What happened in this match in 2022?

France went on to win a Grand Slam by beating 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 team, and although Ireland rallied to within a point, they were unable to extend their nine-match winning streak.

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

Who is the referee?

England’s Wayne Barnes will take charge of the match, assisted by Matthew Carley (RFU) and Jordan Way (RA). Brendon Pickerill (NZR), meanwhile, will be Television Match Official (TMO) for the day.

Ireland v France the best of the last odds

  • Ireland: 7/15

  • Draw: 24/1

  • France: 10/21

Odds correct as of February 8

What is our prediction?

Ireland 17 France 15

It is arguably the most competitive game the Six Nations has ever seen, with Ireland leading if they can hold off France’s scrum.

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