France vs Ireland LIVE SCORE – Six Nations 2024: Farrell’s side begin Grand Slam defence with mouth-watering clash

IRELAND will begin their Grand Slam defence with a trip to Les Bleus to kick off the 2024 Six Nations TONIGHT.

Andy Farrell and his side will be hoping they can replicate last year’s success after a flawless 2023 tournament.

Ireland beat England in their final game to claim a historic Grand Slam at the 2023 Six NationsPA

First up, champions Ireland will be put to the test by World Cup quarter-finalists France on foreign soil.

However, the huge tournament opener will not take place at Les Bleus’ regular home, the Stade de France, as the stadium is getting a revamp ahead of the Paris Olympics later this year.

Instead, the Stade Velodrome in Marseille will host Friday’s eagerly anticipated Six Nations clash.

There will be some key players missing from both camps, with the hosts being without Antoine Dupont, while Johnny Sexton is unavailable for Ireland after he retired following his country’s exit at the World Cup.

When is France vs Ireland?

• France vs Ireland will take place TODAY, Friday, February 2nd.
• The match will get underway at 8pm GMT.
• The Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France will host.

What TV channel is France vs Ireland on and can it be live streamed FREE?

• France vs Ireland will be broadcast live on ITV1.
• You can live stream the match for FREE via the ITVX app/website.
• Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.

Line-ups

France XV: 1 Cyril Baille, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio; 4 Paul Gabrillagues, 5 Paul Willemse; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Charles Ollivon, 8 Gregory Alldritt (capt.); 9 Maxime Lucu, 10 Matthieu Jalibert; 11 Yoram Moefana, 12 Jonathan Danty, 13 Gael Fickou, 14 Damian Penaud; 15 Thomas Ramos.

Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Posolo Tuilagi, 20 Cameron Woki, 21 Paul Boudehent; 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Peter O’Mahony (capt.), 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Calvin Nash; 15 Hugo Keenan.

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Jack Conan; 22 Conor Murray, 23 Ciaran Frawley.

What are the odds?

Match result

• France: 8/15
• Draw: 20/1
• Ireland: 15/8

*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication.

All Six Nations 2024 fixtures – dates, kick-off times and TV channels