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

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

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

Ireland beat England to win 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 on 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.

Squads

France

Forwards: Esteban Abadie, Dorian Aldegheri, Gregory Alldritt (Captain), Uini Atonio, Cyril Baille, Gaetan Barlot, Paul Boudehen, Francois Cros, Paul Gabrillagues, Matthias Halagahu, Alexandre Roumat, Thomas Laclayat, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Paul Willemse, Charles Ollivon, Romain Taofifenua, Sebastien Taofifenua, Reda Wardi, Cameron Woki.

Backs: Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Jonathan Danty, Nicolas Depoortere, Gael Fickou, Emilien Gailleton, Antoine Gibert, Matthieu Jalibert, Melvyn Jaminet, Nolann Le Garrec, Matthis Lebel, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos.

Ireland

Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Ronan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony (Captain),
Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Tom Stewart, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier.

Backs: Bundee Aki, Harry Byrne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, Jordan Larmour, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale.

What are the odds?

Match result

• France: 4/7
• Draw: 20/1
• Ireland: 6/4

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