Philippe Saint-Andre reverts to tried and tested formula

Set to feature for France: Morgan Parra
10 April 2012

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has returned to the halfback combination of Morgan Parra and Francois Trinh-Duc that carried the team to their last Six Nations Grand Slam title in 2010 in a bid to subdue Ireland in Paris tomorrow night.

With veteran halfback Dimitri Yachvili suffering a back problem, Parra will line up alongside Trinh-Duc at Stade de France as the new coach attempts to prove his team can be consistent after their opening round 30-12 win over Italy.

Saint-Andre has called up Julien Dupuy as injury cover, two years after the scrumhalf missed the 2010 Six Nations because of a 24-week ban for gouging Ireland flanker Stephen Ferris in a Heineken Cup match.

France's squad also contains prop David Attoub, who received an even longer ban for gouging - also on Ferris. Attoub's initial 70-week ban was reduced to 52 weeks.

Ferris can play in this game because he has not been banned despite being yellow carded for a tip tackle against Wales.

Ireland have made one change following their 23-21 home defeat by Wales, with Keith Earls to fit to take over the centre role normally held by the injured Brian O'Driscoll.

For captain Paul O'Connell the daunting task fo coming to Paris is one he is relishing, knowing any championship challenge must be kept alive tomorrow against a team that has won 11 of the last 12 matches between the sides. France, unbeaten against the Irish at Stade de France since a 27-25 upset in 2000.

"There's a lot we have to improve on," Ireland captain Paul O'Connell said. "Some of the silly errors we made against Wales we must cut out.

"Against France away from home you need to start well. It's frustrating that I haven't beaten France in Paris, but we have a team that can do it."

O'Connell's win rate of just 8.33 per cent against France is his worst against any side other than world champions New Zealand.

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