Alldrit fit, Ntamack and Penaud return as France opt for 7/1 bench split

Head coach Fabien Galthié has opted to go with a 7/1 split on his bench, with scrum-half Maxime Lucu the only back among the replacements

Thu, 06 Mar, 2025 - 10:36

Julien Pretot

France out-half Romain Ntamack will return from suspension against Ireland in the Six Nations on Saturday with winger Damian Penaud also back in the starting XV after missing games against Italy and England.

Ntamack was banned from Les Bleus' 73-24 demolition of Italy after picking up a red card against Wales and being handed a two-match suspension.

Penaud, who has 37 international tries and is one short of Serge Blanco's all-time France record, also did not play against the Azzurri after a disappointing performance in the 26-25 defeat by England.

In the pack, Gregory Alldrit has been named to start despite injury concerns.

Head coach Fabien Galthié has opted to go with a 7/1 split on his bench, with scrum-half Maxime Lucu the only back among the replacements.

"(Ntamack) has been training with us throughout the tournament. He's part of the team dynamic," Galthié told reporters on Thursday.

"Damian is back in the team because he has undeniable potential and he's ready to play against Ireland."

The Irish lead the standings on 14 points, three ahead of France, whose chances of winning the tournament hang in the balance when they visit the Aviva Stadium. England are third with 10 points ahead of their home game with Italy on Sunday.

"This match has special stakes, we know that and that's what we want," Galthié added of facing Ireland.

"What's more, it's a match against the best European nation in the last three or four years.

"They're a very high-level team, one of the two best nations in the world, if not the best, and they're playing at home. It's true that the challenge is immense. And taking on a huge challenge is what we're looking for."

He continued: "The choice of a 7/1 bench is linked to the profiles of the most competitive players we currently have in the French team.

"Looking at the performances we've had for a while now, that's what we think is the best way to perform."

France: T. Ramos; D. Penaud, P-L. Barassi, Y. Moefana, L. Bielle-Biarrey; R. Ntamack, A. Dupont; J-B. Gros, P. Mauvaka, U. Atonio; T. Flament, M. Guillard; F. Cros, P. Boudehent, G. Alldritt.

Replacements: J. Marchand, C. Baille, D. Aldegheri, E. Meafou, H. Auradou, O. Jegou, A. Jelonch, M. Lucu.

The French view: 'We can destabilise the Irish, but we can't be shy'

Reuters