Antoine Dupont has temporarily switched codes and Johnny Sexton has retired, but the wealth of talent in these France and Ireland teams means they’re still the clear favourites for Six Nations glory. That means this curtain-raiser at Stade Velodrome could well end up being the tie-breaker too.
Ireland beat France and won the championship and Grand Slam a year ago, emulating France's efforts from 2022, though Les Bleus dominate the head-to-head with 59 victories, 36 defeats and seven draws.
