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Ntamack, Alldritt start for France in Six Nations showdown against Ireland / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP/File
Ntamack, Alldritt start for France in Six Nations showdown against Ireland
France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Thursday Romain Ntamack and Gregory Alldritt will start in this weekend's potential Six Nations title decider against Ireland, which he called an "immense challenge" for his team.
Fly-half Ntamack returns from suspension and No 8 Alldritt has recovered from a groin issue for Saturday's match in Dublin.
A victory for France over top-of-the-table, unbeaten Ireland at Lansdowne Road would open up the race for the Championship before the final round of matches.
"The challenge is immense," Galthie told reporters before France head to the two-time reigning champions.
"Getting up for immense challenges is what we’re looking for.
"They're incredible, they're very complimentary, very intelligent, very strategic and for us it's an incredibly passionate challenge," the 55-year-old added.
Fly-half Ntamack, 25, makes his first appearance since the first-round win over Wales after being banned for the defeat to England and victory over Italy.
"He trained with us even if we couldn't play him," former France captain Galthie said.
"He's been part of the collective dynamic and you will get the response on Saturday," he added.
No 8 Alldritt plays despite sitting out two training sessions this week due to a groin injury.
Ntamack's return is one of two changes from the win at Italy last time out with Damian Penaud coming onto the right wing instead of Theo Attissogbe.
Galthie has decided to keep a replacements bench with six forwards and just one back, scrum-half Maxime Lucu, as he did against Italy.
Back-rowers Paul Boudehent and Oscar Jegou are expected to provide cover in the backs.
Galthie admitted that only selecting one back among the replacements was "a risk".
"The choice is linked to the profile of the players we have right now," he said.
"After seeing the performances for a certain while, right now it's what feels most relevant to perform well in Ireland," he added.
Team (15-1)
Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont (capt); Gregory Alldritt, Paul Boudehent, Francois Cros; Mickael Guillard, Thibaud Flament; Uini Atonio, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements: Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Dorian Aldegheri, Emmanuel Meafou, Hugo Auradou, Oscar Jegou, Anthony Jelonch, Maxime Lucu
Coach: Fabien Galthie (FRA)
D.Gautier--PS
