France Set For Surprise Starting XV Versus Ireland

France take on Ireland this Sunday in a Pool D decider at Cardiff’s Millenium stadium and as per usual the French are set to surprise a few with their selection.

According to reports in the Midi Olympique news outlet Brice Dulin and Noa Nakaitaci are set to start on the wings with Clermont Auvergne’s Damien Chouly to start ahead of Racing Metro’s Bernard Le Roux.

According to @midi_olympique Brice Dulin & Nakaitaci will be the wings vs Ireland with Chouly holding off challenge of Le Roux in back-row

— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) October 5, 2015

Brice Dulin on the wing would be a surprise selection by all accounts given the game Ireland tend to play. Dulin, normally plays full-back for Racing Metro but has been deployed regularly on the wing for France in the build-up and during this World Cup. Dulin stands at a mere 5’10” and may suffer under Ireland’s kicking game.

The other surprise would be Chouly being selected ahead of Le Roux in the back-row. Le Roux has been impressive and it would be strange to leave him out. Chouly is expected to be joined in the back row with captain Theirry Dusautoir, and the impressive Louis Picamoles.