How Ireland could line up against France

February 09, 2022
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Ultimate Rugby

After a comprehensive victory over Wales in round one of the Six Nations, Ireland head to France in what could prove to be a Championship deciding encounter.

Ireland have now won nine wins in a row, with the latest over Wales sending them to third in the World Rugby Rankings, their highest ranking under Andy Farrell.

Ahead of the clash with Les Bleus, Andy Farrell has a relatively fully fit squad with just two players ruled out of the game.

Keith Earls has left the squad and will continue his hamstring rehab in Munster over the coming weeks, and his progress will be assessed as the Championship progresses.

Hooker Rob Herring also is unavailable for selection this weekend’s Round 2 trip to Paris to face France with a calf issue, and Dave Heffernan has joined the squad.

On the more positive front, both centre Robbie Henshaw and lock Iain Henderson are set to be fit and ready for the clash with France after missing the opening game against Wales.

So can we expect changes from Andy Farrell?

Maybe not in the starting XV, but the bench may be altered.

Robbie Henshaw was arguably the form centre in the Six Nations last year and could seamlessly slot into the outside or inside centre role.

The performances of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose in round one, create a healthy selection headache for Farrell this week.

Does he bring Henshaw right back in? Or does Henshaw return via the bench or even only next week against Italy?

The injury to Jonathan Danty for France could further complicate Farrell's decision, with Yoram Moefana or Virimi Vakatawa being the two likeliest candidates to start alongside Gael Fickou. Moefana shone off the bench against the Italians in round one while Vakatawa enjoyed a standout game for Racing 92 in the Top 14 clash against Brive.

If Henshaw is added to the bench, it will be in place of James Hume, who replaced Andrew Conway in the latter stages against Wales. Hume did little wrong during his cameo but could lose his place in the 23, through no fault of his own, to the more experienced Henshaw.

As for the return of Henderson, another youngster's place on the bench is under threat, with Ryan Baird likely to make way for the Ulster second-rower. Last year, Henderson was a form player for Ireland, leading to a British and Irish Lions call-up.

Henderson is unlikely to displace Tadhg Beirne or James Ryan in the starting XV but could be included on the bench to add some experience in the latter stages of what should be an attritional test match.

The front row replacements are unlikely to change especially considering the injury to Rob Herring, who was on the bench for the clash against New Zealand.

Robert Balcounne, Michael Lowry, and Nick Timoney all rejoined the squad after featuring for Ulster in the United Rugby Championship, but the trio is unlikely to force their way into the matchday 23.

How Ireland are likely to line up against France (changes in bold)

1. Andrew Porter

2. Ronan Kelleher

3. Tadhg Furlong

4. Tadhg Beirne

5. James Ryan

6. Caelan Doris

7. Josh van der Flier

8. Jack Conan

9. Jamison Gibson-Park

10. Jonathan Sexton (c)

11. Mack Hansen