Axel May, edited by Julien Moreau 06:20, February 10, 2023

The French rugby team is playing its second match of the Six Nations Tournament this Saturday, February 11, against Ireland.

Less than a week after a painstaking win over Italy, France's record 14-game winning streak is under threat.

Travel to Dublin to complete an achievement.

Even before the start of the Six Nations Tournament, the French knew that this match against the Irish, this Saturday, February 11, was going to be quite a sporting challenge.

After the hard-won victory in Rome last Sunday against the Italians (29-24), a team reputed to be the weakest in the tournament, the Irish challenge has turned into a real challenge.

For coach Fabien Galthié, "to say that Ireland are the number one ranked team means that they are the best team in the world. And there is only one best team in the world. Since June , it's Ireland. When we say that, we said it all". 

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Absentees on the Irish side

Ireland was forced to change as hooker to face France on Saturday (3:15 p.m.) on the second day of the Six Nations Tournament, but captain and fly-half Johnny Sexton will remain faithful to the post.

Dan Sheehan, holder in the front line during the convincing victory in Cardiff (34-10) last week but affected in the hamstrings, gives way to Rob Herring.

He's not even in the group. 

☘️ Our second game of #SixNations 2023 brings us to Dublin to challenge!



See you on Saturday!

#NeFaisonsXV#XVdeFrance#IRLFRApic.twitter.com/eAfWyYyg3I

– France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 9, 2023

Ireland must also always do without its pillar Tadgh Furlongh, again replaced by Finaly Bealham.

But the rest of the starting XV will be the same, scrum half Conor Murray, described as uncertain by the Irish press on Wednesday, finally taking his place.

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The Aviva Stadium in Dublin will be full

Under the mandate of Fabien Galthié, the Blues met the Irish three times for as many victories.

But the only time they played at home was in the midst of a pandemic, in an empty stadium.

Which will not be the case on Saturday, with an Aviva Stadium fully committed to the Irish cause.

In this context, if the French win, they would further strengthen their status as favorites for this Six Nations Tournament and the next World Cup to be held in France.

In case of defeat, doubt would inevitably arise.