The 2024 Six Nations has finally arrived and begins with three intriguing clashes making up the opening round, kicking off with a potential title decider between France and defending champions Ireland at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille on Friday.
Les Bleus were pipped to the title last season by the Irish, but they crucially have home advantage this time in a huge opening night fixture. Both of these heavyweights will be smarting after their respective World Cup quarter-final exits to South Africa and New Zealand last year and will be hungry to lay an early marker on Six Nations opening night.
France vs Ireland date and kickoff time
| Date | Friday, February 2, 2024 |
| Kickoff time | 3:00 p.m. ET/ 2:00 p.m. CT/ 1:00 p.m. PT |
| Venue | Orange Vélodrome |
| Location | Marseille, France |
| Referee | Karl Dickson (England) |
How to watch France vs Ireland on TV & stream live online
NBC Sports is the rights holder for the tournament in the USA and will be showing every game of the 2024 Six Nations live, while Six Nations matches will also be available to watch on CNBC (on delay).
With every fixture shown on NBC, the easiest and cheapest option is to invest in a Peacock subscription. The streaming service of NBC costs just $5.99 per month for the Premium Plan, which will allow you to watch all Six Nations fixtures, including the blockbuster opener between France and Ireland.
There's also no contract with this service, meaning you could essentially subscribe for two months while the tournament is on and cancel following it.
Streaming the game with a VPN
- Overview of VPN services that allow access to geo-restricted streams
- How to set up and use a VPN service to stream the match
You can watch the game from wherever you are in the world by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service such as NordVPN/ ExpressVPN. A VPN will allow you to create a secure connection online when you are abroad on holiday or for work and you want to stream the game live.
If you are not sure which VPN to use or how to use a VPN, we have taken a look at the best options available out there for watching live sports - check out the best VPN services review here.
Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN to watch a game when you are overseas:
- Install VPN of your choice - see our reviews here for the best options.
- Select the location you wish to connect to. This is easy - if you are visiting the UK and you wish to continue watching one of your U.S. streaming services, you would select the US.
- Grab the popcorn and get ready to watch!
France vs Ireland team news & starting lineup
France team news
Les Blues' star scrum-half Antoine Dupont has withdrawn from the tournament to focus on competing at the Olympics. Arguably the world's best player, Dupont's absence will be a blow to their campaign.
Maxime Lucu will deputised for Dupont and will pair up with Matthieu Jalibert as flyhalf Romain Ntamack is still recovering from a serious knee injury picked up before the World Cup. Uncapped Racing 92-star Nolann Le Garrec will provide further cover for the No. 9 jersey.
Yoram Moefana has been favoured ahead of Louis Bielle-Biarrey on the left wing, while Paul Gabrillagues and Paul Willemse are coach Fabien Galthie's new lock combination. In the other change, Francois Cros takes over as blindside flanker for the sidelined Anthony Jelonch.
La Rochelle No. 8 Gregory Alldritt has taken over the captaincy from Dupont, and is alongside flankers Charles Ollivon and Toulouse's Francois Cros in the back row. Cyril Baille, hooker Peato Mauvaka, and Uini Atonio continue in an unaltered front row.
France starting lineup: T Ramos; D Penaud, G Fickou, J Danty, Y Moefana; M Jalibert, M Lucu; C Baille, P Mauvaka, U Atonio; P Gabrillagues, P Willemse; F Cros, C Ollivon, G Alldritt (c)
Replacements: J Marchand, R Wardi, D Aldegheri, R Taofifenua, C Woki, P Boudehent, N Le Garrec, L Bielle-Biarrey
Ireland team news
Ireland have their fair share of injuries and have lost a talismanic leader in the shape of Johnny Sexton, who has retired. However, they have plenty of other experience and star quality capable of filling the void. Jack Crowley is set to take over as the new playmaker at No. 10 and experienced Munster flanker Peter O'Mahony is now the new captain.
Head coach Andy Farrell has made just four changes to his XV from his side's 28-24 quarter-final defeat to New Zealand on October 14, with Robbie Henshaw coming in for centre Garry Ringrose, who has been ruled out by a shoulder issue. The Munster flank Calvin Nash and Leinster lock Joe McCarthy are set to make their Six Nations debuts against France
Ireland starting lineup: H Keenan; C Nash, R Henshaw, B Aki, J Lowe; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; J McCarthy, T Beirne; P O'Mahony (c), J van der Flier, C Doris
Replacements: R Kelleher, C Healy, F Bealham, J Ryan, R Baird, J Conan, C Murray, C Frawley
France vs Ireland head-to-head record
Ireland ended a three-game losing record against France in last year's Six Nations, winning 32-19 in one of the tournament's most thrilling and memorable games. Ireland has not won on French soil since the 2018 Grand Slam under Joe Schmidt.
| Date | Fixture | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 11.02.23 | Ireland 32-19 France | Six Nations |
| 12.02.22 | France 30-24 Ireland | Six Nations |
| 14.02.21 | Ireland 13-15 France | Six Nations |
| 01.11.20 | France 35-27 Ireland | Six Nations |
| 10.03.19 | Ireland 26-14 France | Six Nations |