France replicates Bok bench for Six Nations 'Final'
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.
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)
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