France coach Fabien Gathie says Ireland will not be weaker.
Andy Farrell, Ireland coach, agrees. He says it’s a “great development for us as teams going forward as well” and that “we still expect ourselves to do our best in Paris.”
Both must laugh at themselves.
Sexton, the captain is still as inspiring as ever. He was a key player in the first three Irish try victories and earned a yellow card for Josh Adams, ending the resistance from a weakened Wales. On Wednesday, he injured his hamstring during training. He will not be able to travel to Paris to support his team.
Galthie states that Ireland is a well-structured team. Their game plan is also very set, so they will maintain their shape. We believe their attack and defense will remain the same without Sexton. We need to improve our game at all levels. Saturday will be the summit.”
Sexton’s intelligence and skill will be missed. Sexton’s two tries in Paris helped Ireland win the 2014 title. His 44-meter drop goal in the rain in Paris was their 2018 Grand Slam.
Joey Carbery is replacing Sexton. He finished Wales as flyhalf in his first taste rugby since Christmas. Jack Carty is the backup, but he has not been capped since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but he was in good form at Connacht.
Farrell gave a positive spin to facing France without his main driver. The captaincy is held by Lock James Ryan.
“It’s more than Joey. Can he handle a big Paris game? Farrell states that it’s all about the team as a whole. Johnny does that. He ensures that everyone is in the right place. It’s not about the No. 10.”
Ireland’s strength across the board is evident by their nine consecutive wins since losing in Dublin to France a year ago. Robbie Henshaw and Lions Iain Henderson have returned from injury to help boost the reserves.
France also loaded six forwards onto its bench after a six-day turnaround.
Galthie states that “We have the finishers” who will allow us to win the final 20 minutes of this game.” We are ready to unleash them.”
There are two other changes to the starting line-up that were necessary in order to defeat Italy 37-10 last Sunday. Yoram Moefana will replace Jonathan Danty, while Francois Cros, the flanker, has taken Dylan Cretin’s place.
Moefana was able to set up Gabin Villiere, left winger,’s attempt at a hat trick against Italy. However Bundee Aki, standout Irish midfielder will be more difficult.
Galthie says that Yoram is ready “physically, technically, and psychologically.” His teammates will make sure he plays his own games so that his natural talent is displayed, and he has plenty of it.
Cameron Woki continues to lock after Bernard Le Roux, a burly tackler, was unexpectedly left out.
“Cameron Woki, while tough, is a young and combative fighter. Bernard is a tremendous fighter and counts a lot. But, I believe we have enough strength to face the Irish pack’s toughness.
France’s Sexton absence gives France an edge in the halves, which feature Antoine Dupont, the world player of year, and Romain Ntamack, the silky Romain. Ntamack has preferred to sweet-talk Ireland, along with Raphael Ibanez and Shaun Edwards, as management.
Ntamack states, “Even though Ireland is coming to Stade de France, I don’t think that you can call them the outsiders.” “We will give them the status of favorites that they fully deserve.”
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Lineups:
France: Melvyn Jaaminet, Damian Penaud. Gael Fickou. Yoram Moefana. Gabin Villiere. Romain Namack. Antoine Dupont (captain). Anthony Jelonch. Gregory Alldritt. Francois Cros. Paul Willemse. Cameron Woki. Uini Aonio. Julien Marchand. Cyril Baille. Reserves: Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Demba Bamba, Romain Taofifenua, Thibaud Flament, Dylan Cretin, Maxime Lucu, Thomas Ramos.
Ireland: Hugo Keenan, Andrew Conway, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Joey Carbery, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris, James Ryan (captain), Tadhg Beirne, Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter. Reserves: Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Jack Carty, Robbie Henshaw.
