Ireland are second-favourites for the title and hold the honour of being the only side to have beaten Eddie Jones’ England since he took over more than two years ago.

But their fixture list is anything but an easy one. Their tournament is top-and-tailed by trips to Paris and London, with a potential decider against England on Super Saturday.

But none of that will matter at the Stade de France this Saturday when France look to start a new era under Jacques Brunel with 19-year-old Matthieu Jalibert making his debut at fly-half.

France vs Ireland kick-off time

France and Ireland will get their 2018 Six Nations underway on Saturday February 3 at 4.45pm UK time.

France vs Ireland TV channel

The Six Nations coverage for 2018 has been split between ITV and the BBC once again.

ITV will show all of England’s home games as well as four others while the BBC will retain all of the other eight matches including England’s trips to Edinburgh and Paris.

Ireland’s clash in the French capital will also be on BBC One with coverage starting at 4.15pm, half an hour before kick-off.

France vs Ireland live stream

Since both ITV and BBC are terrestrial and free-to-air, every game of the Six Nations will be shown live online for free.

Viewers simply need to hold a valid TV licence and may be required to sign in on the BBC website in order to watch France vs Ireland.

France team vs Ireland

Starting XV: Palis; Thomas, Lamerat, Chavancy, Vakatawa; Jalibert, Machenaud; Poirot, Guirado, Slimani, Iturria, Vahaamahina, Lauret, Camara, Gourdon.

Replacements: Pelissie, Priso, Gomes Sa, Gabrillagues, Tauleigne, Dupont, Belleau, Fall.

Ireland team vs France

Starting XV: Kearney; Earls, Henshaw, Aki, Stockdale; Sexton, Murray; Healy, Best, Furlong, Henderson, Ryan, O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Stander.

Replacements: Cronin, McGrath, Ryan, Toner, Leavy, McGrath, Carbery, McFadden.

France and Ireland’s next games

Saturday February 10, Ireland vs Italy (2.15pm; ITV)

Sunday February 11, Scotland vs France (3pm; BBC)



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