Ronan O’Gara left surprised by France’s Gael Fickou move

Instead of replacing like for like, though, the head coach has resisted the temptation to hand a debut to O’Gara’s La Rochelle star Arthur Retière

France's Gael Fickou attempts to hand off Romania's Mihai Macovei (right) during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Ronan O’Gara admitted the switching of Gael Fickou from France’s midfield to the wing for their potential Guinness Six Nations title decider against Ireland tomorrow night had taken him by surprise.

French coach Fabien Galthié, who yesterday named his team for the Stade de France clash, made just one change in personnel from the side which saw off Wales in a warm-up Test in Paris last week with try-scoring wing Teddy Thomas ruled out through injury.