Galthie announces strong French XV to face Ireland in Six Nations opener

The big question remains how will the Jalibert-Lucu axis deal with Irish pressure in the absence of Dupont-Ntamack?

France Head Coach, Fabien Galthie, has announced his team for the Ireland clash.

Fabien Galthie has announced a strong, well-advertised XV to face champions Ireland in the mouth-watering Six Nations opener on Friday in Marseille. As expected Bordeaux Begles pair Maxime Lucu and Mathiew Jalibert will partner at half back in the absence of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack. La Rocehlle's Gregory Alldritt is the new captain.

Thomas Ramos is at full back while Paul Willemse is partnered in the second row by Stade Francais' Paul Gabrillagues. Thibaud Flament misses out due to a foot injury while Anthony Jelonch will be absent for the whole Six Nations campaign due to an ACL problem.