Ireland vs France, Six Nations 2023: Kick-off time, TV channel, where to watch, team news, lineups, odds
t’s only the second weekend of the 2023 Six Nations but France’s trip to Dublin to face Ireland on Saturday already looks to be a title decider.
These are the two of the favourites for the World Cup later this year, and it was no surprise to see Andy Farrell’s side quickly hit their stride last week with a dominant display in Cardiff.
Ireland had a poor record at the Principality Stadium going into the match, but they were 14 points up after ten minutes and didn’t look back from that point, cruising to a 34-10 win to further strengthen their title credentials.
It was significantly less convincing from France against an improving Italy side, with last year’s Grand Slam champions just about avoiding a major upset. A 29-24 victory extended the unbeaten run to 14 matches, and sets up a titanic clash in Dublin.
Ireland sit top of the world rankings, just ahead of France, but know this will be the ultimate test, as both sides look to lay down a marker both for the Six Nations and what is to come later in 2023.
Ireland vs France date, kick-off time and venue
Ireland vs France gets the second weekend of the Six Nations up and running, taking place before Wales travel to face Scotland at Murrayfield later in the day.
The match is due to begin at 2:15pm GMT on, Saturday February 11, taking place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
How to watch Ireland vs France
TV channel: Ireland vs France is being broadcast live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 1.25pm GMT.
Live stream: Fans can also catch all the action live online via the ITVX app or ITV website.
Ireland vs France team news
Ireland will be without Tadhg Furlong, Jamison Gibson-Park and Cian Healy for France’s visit to Dublin.
Furling missed the win over Wales with a calf injury and that remains a problem, while Gibson-Park and Healy were ruled out with hamstring injuries that they have not yet recovered from.
Jonny Sexton will hope to pass a HIA, while Caolin Blade and Michael Milne have been named in the squad.
France remain without Jonathan Danty who will miss the entire Six Nations with a knee injury, along with forward Cameron Woki who suffered a hand fracture last month.
Matthieu Jalibert was the hero against Italy as his late try ensured France did not suffer a huge upset, but he is set to be named among the replacements once again.
Ireland vs France lineups
The lineups will be revealed on Thursday - check back in then for all the confirmed team news.
Ireland vs France head to head (h2h) history and results
France have won the last three meetings between the sides, including a 15-13 in Dublin two years ago.
Before this current streak of wins, France were on a run of just one win in nine matches against Ireland.
Ireland wins: 35
France wins: 59
Draws: 7
Ireland vs France prediction
The two best sides in the world, according to the official rankings, look set to serve up a thrilling encounter on Saturday.
Ireland proved too good for New Zealand, South Africa and Australia last year, and any fears they might have peaked too soon look to be unfounded after a ruthless display in Cardiff last weekend.
France though are in a winning habit themselves, and they are the only nation to have won in Dublin since the 2019 World Cup. They were a long way from their best against Italy, but still found a way to get the job done.
Ill-discipline was a huge problem for France in Rome, conceding 18 penalties in a performance that would have infuriated defence coach Shaun Edwards. Any repeat of that this weekend and they will certainly be punished.
They will have to be much-improved against Ireland, though even that might not be enough with Andy Farrell’s side well-placed to get revenge for their defeat in Paris 12 months ago.
