Six Nations: Francois Cros returns in one of two changes to France’s matchday squad to face Ireland

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France head coach Fabien Galthie has named his team to face Ireland in the second round of the Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium.

The defending champions kicked off their 2023 campaign with a narrow 29-24 victory over Italy in Rome, with Galthie sticking with largely the same matchday squad for round two.

Unchanged starting line-up

Galthie has named an unchanged starting line-up to face Andy Farrell’s Ireland on Saturday, with two alterations made to the bench.

Antoine Dupont captains the side from scrum-half, with Romain Ntamack retained at number 10 despite Matthieu Jalibert’s impact from the bench against Italy.

Yoram Moefana and Gael Fickou continue their combination in the centres, while Ethan Dumortier earns his second Test cap after scoring on his debut in Rome. Damian Penaud starts on the right wing.

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Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand and Uini Atonio make up the front-row, with Thibault Flament and Paul Willemse behind them. The loose trio consists of Anthony Jelonch, Charles Ollivon and Gregory Alldritt.

Changes on the bench

The bench remains largely unchanged as Gaëtan Barlot, Reda Wardi and Sipili Falatea provide front-row cover, with Romain Taofifénua providing an option at lock.

The one change from the six forwards selected against Italy sees the return of Francois Cros, who takes his place in the side, having missed the July and November Tests last year.

The Toulouse flanker returned to full fitness in January, making three appearances for his club after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He gives Galthie options in the loose forwards along with Sekou Macalou.

The other change on the bench sees scrum-half Baptiste Couilloud replace Nolann Le Garrec, with Jalibert the final squad member.

France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Ethan Dumortier, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille
Replacements: 16 Gaëtan Barlot, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Sipili Falatea, 19 Romain Taofifénua, 20 Francois Cros, 21 Sekou Macalou, 22 Baptiste Couilloud, 23 Matthieu Jalibert

Date: Saturday, February 11
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Kick-off: 14:15 GMT
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way (Australia), Matthew Carley (England)
TMO: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)