The France rugby team is gearing up for one of its most significant challenges yet, as they prepare to face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, for the Six Nations 2025. Head coach Fabien Galthié has announced his list of 19 protected players, and the lineup is beginning to take shape, spotlighting expected key returns among the squad.
Among the roster, Romain Ntamack’s reinstatement to the fly-half position has garnered considerable attention. Following his suspension due to a red card against Wales, the Toulouse player is anticipated to reclaim his role after having been regarded as the primary option by the coaching staff. Galthié is returning to his initial plans, with Ntamack at the helm, Thomas Ramos shifting to full-back, and Antoine Dupont positioned at scrum-half. This trio forms the backbone for the challenges they will face against the immensely competitive Irish side.
Similarly, Damian Penaud is likely to regain his position on the wing, having sat out against Italy as part of the management strategy rather than punitive measures. His recent impressive performance for UBB, where he scored a pivotal try against Clermont, solidifies his inclusion back on the field, showcasing his importance to the French offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, the situation presents uncertainty within the center positions. Gaël Fickou has returned to the training group following injuries, raising questions about whether he can reclaim the number 13 spot. Although he’s traditionally known for his defensive mastery, his current lack of game rhythm could open the door for Pierre-Louis Barassi, who may be retained alongside Yoram Moefana if Fickou isn’t ready for the challenge.
On the forwards' front, another serious concern is the status of Emmanuel Meafou, who is recovering from repeated bouts of illness and must undergo tests to confirm his fitness. Should he miss out, Mickaël Guillard, who performed admirably against Italy, is poised to retain his slot next to Thibaud Flament, after impressing coaches with his physical play.
One of the most revolutionary strategies employed by Galthié recently includes utilizing seven forwards on the bench, accompanied by only one back, Maxime Lucu, during the Italy clash. This unusual decision, deemed successful, may continue against Ireland, as the head coach weighs the pressures of facing Ireland's fierce intensity both at the maul and rucks. Nevertheless, he remains open to reverting to a more conventional six-two split based on the physical status of his players.
The upcoming match is viewed as potentially decisive not only for the tournament’s progression but also as the ramifications for the players could hinge heavily on their performance during the weekend’s Top 14 matches. With the protected players joining for training imminently, all eyes will glare as the makeshift team for Dublin takes its final form.
This meeting with Ireland promises to be more than just another game; it could very well be the pivotal one determining the fate of the Six Nations campaign for France. With star players returning to full fitness and the coaching team considering their strategic plays, anticipation builds as fans await to see how it all unravels on the pitch.