Ireland welcome France to Dublin on Saturday as they aim to take a giant leap toward Six Nations glory.
This weekend's Six Nations kicks off with a clash that could shape the entire round. An Irish victory would keep them firmly in the driver's seat heading into Super Saturday, while a French triumph would throw the title race wide open, setting the stage for a dramatic finale where both Les Bleus and possibly England could still stake their claim for the crown.
The Irish weren't at their sharpest in their previous clash against Wales, forced to grind out a hard-fought win. Crucially, their inability to secure a bonus point could come back to haunt them if they stumble against France—not that they'll be entertaining any thoughts of defeat.
France, on the other hand, arrive with a wave of momentum after ruthlessly dispatching Italy in Round 3. That commanding victory, coupled with an authoritative display against Wales, puts them in a prime position to snatch the tournament lead. A triumph in Dublin, combined with a superior points tally, could see Les Bleus seize control of the title race.
Ireland vs France: Date and start time
Ireland will take on France in a highly anticipated Six Nations rugby game on Saturday, March 8 at 9:15 am ET or 6:15 am PT at Aviva Stadium and Dublin, Ireland.
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Date |
Saturday, March 8, 2025 |
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kick-off Time |
9:15 am ET/6:15 am PT |
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Venue |
Aviva Stadium |
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Location |
Dublin, Ireland |
How to watch Ireland vs France Six Nations clash on TV & stream live online
Streaming service: Peacock
Peacock, NBC's streaming platform, holds exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for every match of the 2025 Six Nations Championship. Subscriptions kick off at just $7.99 per month or $79.99 annually. Some games will also air on CNBC, though broadcast schedules vary—so be sure to check local listings for match times and availability.
Streaming the game with a VPN
Already a Peacock subscriber but currently outside the U.S.? A reliable VPN like NordVPN can ensure you stay connected and don’t miss a second of the Six Nations action.
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Ireland vs France team news and starting lineups
Ireland team news
Ireland skipper Caelan Doris is cleared to return after missing the clash with Wales, but the squad faces notable absences. Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, and, most significantly, Mack Hansen have all been ruled out. With Garry Ringrose suspended following his red card in Cardiff, Jamie Osborne, typically deployed at center or full-back, will shift to the right wing to fill the void left by Hansen.
Meanwhile, it will be a poignant occasion for three Ireland stalwarts—Conor Murray, Peter O'Mahony, and Cian Healy—who will don the green jersey on home soil for the last time before retiring at the tournament's conclusion.
Ireland starting lineup: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Peter O’Mahony, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Jamie Osborne; 15 Hugo Keenan.
Replacements:16 Rob Herring, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Ryan Baird; 22 Conor Murray, 23 Jack Crowley.
France team news
France, on the other hand, welcomes back Romain Ntamack after serving his suspension, with the fly-half reclaiming his spot in the starting lineup. His return sees Thomas Ramos revert to full-back, while Damian Penaud also earns a recall on the wing. Head coach Fabien Galthie sticks with his bold seven-forwards-to-one-back bench strategy, further bolstered by the return of towering lock Emmanuel Meafou, who has shaken off an illness.
Meanwhile, young Bordeaux-Bègles winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey has been a standout performer in this year's Six Nations. The 21-year-old has already scored five tries in just three rounds, and even when he isn't scoring, he remains a key figure in France’s attack, having set up four tries for his teammates. His nine try involvements tie the all-time record for a single men’s Six Nations campaign.