US EditionFit-Again France Captain Dupont Partners Jalibert Against Ireland
Antoine Dupont returns from an eight-month injury layoff to partner Matthieu Jalibert for only their second start together as France aims for back-to-back Six Nations titles.
- After eight months out, Antoine Dupont returns to start for France and will partner Bordeaux-Begles fly-half Matthieu Jalibert at half-back on Thursday against Ireland.
- Fabien Galthie reshuffled the squad after Uini Atonio was forced to retire last week and dropped Gregory Alldritt while selecting Anthony Jelonch at No.8 and axing Damian Penaud over defensive concerns.
- Galthie said correcting defensive and discipline issues from the Autumn Nations Series was a training focus for staff, and like Ireland's coach, he chose six forwards and two backs on the bench with Peato Mauvaka and Kalvin Gourgues providing cover.
- After their 42-27 Dublin win in 2024, France aim for back-to-back Six Nations titles for the first time in nearly 20 years and a first Grand Slam since 2022.
- Peato Mauvaka is preferred as replacement hooker to Maxime Lamothe, while Kalvin Gourgues provides three-quarters cover alongside scrum-half Baptiste Serin.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Radio France Internationale
France24
The Blues will face Ireland this Thursday evening at the Stade de France at the opening of the Six Nations Tournament that they won last season. On the sidelines of the team's announcement, Fabien Galthie mentioned many topics.
On Thursday evening at the Stade de France at the opening of the 2026 Six Nations Tournament, France's XV will face Ireland. The opening half Matthieu Jalibert is back at the hinge, associated with Captain Antoine Dupont. Discover the 23 players selected by Fabien Galthie to challenge the XV of the Trèfle. - Dupont and Jalibert back... The composition of the XV of France against Ireland unveiled (Sports).
Gaël Dréan will have to wait to celebrate his first selection with the XV of France. Breton is not on the match sheet but is part of the list of reservists.
The half of Toulouse and Bordeaux-Béglais will form the hinge of the Blues during the opening match of the competition, Thursday against Ireland, at the Stade de France. Fabien Galthie announced his composition on Tuesday, from the National Centre of the Rugby of Marcoussis.
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