Parra to start in place of Yachvili

France scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili has been ruled out of the Six Nations tie with Ireland because of a back problem.

Yachvili will be replaced in the starting line-up by Morgan Parra, pictured, who will play alongside fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc at the Stade de France, while Julien Dupuy has been drafted into the squad as back-up.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said he preferred not to take any risks with Yachvili’s back complaint, and calling up Dupuy early to gave him more time to get up to speed in training — should he be needed on Saturday.

Dupuy, who has six Test caps, is also considered a reliable kicker.