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Rugby Union

Laporte rings changes for Ireland clash

06/02/2007

Defending Six Nations champions France have made five changes from the team that recorded an emphatic 39-3 win over Italy as they prepare to face Ireland at Croke Park on Sunday in the next match of their campaign.

Sale's Sebastien Chabal, who scored two tries in an outstanding personal performance in Les Bleus' first outing, is moved to open-side flanker as Imanol Hardinordoquy returns to the back row at the expense of Julien Bonnaire.

In the tight five Pascal Pape is preferred to Jerome Thion in the second row, while Sylvain Marconnet steps in for Olivier Milloud at prop.

The changes in the back line see Cedric Heymans give way to Vincent Clerc and Perpignan centre David Marty replace Florian Fritz.

With the Irish installed as pre-tournament favourites, the clash could turn out to be a critical factor in deciding the destination of the trophy and French coach Bernard Laporte is steeling his men for the formidable atmosphere that awaits them.

"It will be a hellish game. The games against Ireland are always tough but this one will be played in a very special environment, in a stadium which is a temple of Gaelic sports where rugby players did not have the right to play," he said.

Ireland are still unsure as to whether they will be able to include inspirational skipper Brian O'Driscoll for the showdown after the centre suffered a hamstring injury in a try-scoring performance against Wales.

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