Six Nations: France face early tests despite favourites tag

February 5, 2026 Oliver Obel

France start their Six Nations defence with the familiar labels attached champions, contenders, favourites. Home advantage and the return of Antoine Dupont only strengthen that view. But scratch beneath the surface and this opening fixture against Ireland looks less like a procession and more like an early examination.

As BBC Sport NI has reported, France’s build-up has been shaped by absences, selection gambles and a quiet recalibration of roles, particularly among the forwards. The talent remains. The certainty does not.

Selection calls point to a shift

Fabien Galthié’s decision to omit Gregory Alldritt, Gaël Fickou and Damian Penaud from his wider squad has been the defining talking point of the pre-tournament debate. Penaud leaves behind not just tries, but an instinctive threat that has repeatedly troubled Ireland.

Theo Attissogbe now takes his place on the right wing, while Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s finishing and raw pace ensure France still have edge out wide. The change feels intentional rather than reactive a tilt toward energy and upside rather than experience alone.

In midfield, the absence of 98-cap Fickou accelerates that transition. According to BBC Sport NI, Bordeaux pair Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere have been trusted to start together, a pairing built on familiarity rather than reputation.

Back-row balance without Alldritt

Alldritt’s omission is the most striking call of all. He captained France during Dupont’s injury absence last season and has been a fixture at number eight. That role now falls to Anthony Jelonch, who starts a Six Nations match for the first time since before the 2023 World Cup.

It reshapes the back row’s profile. Jelonch brings aggression and work rate, but less of Alldritt’s carrying control a trade-off Ireland are likely to test around the breakdown.

Tight-head a potential pressure point

Concerns are sharper in the front row. Lock Thibaud Flament is unavailable, and Uini Atonio’s enforced retirement has left France light at tight-head prop.

French rugby analyst Paul Eddison told BBC Sport NI: “France have an issue at prop, especially at tight-head… It’s an area teams may look to exploit.”

Dorian Aldegheri gets the nod, but with limited Six Nations starting experience, scrum stability rather than attacking ambition may dictate France’s early priorities. Ireland, despite their own injury problems, will see this as a rare chance to apply sustained pressure.

Dupont and Jalibert back in focus

Behind the pack, attention turns to the half-backs. With Romain Ntamack sidelined, Matthieu Jalibert starts alongside Dupont, who returns after knee injury and time away for Olympic commitments.

The pairing has been used sparingly and remains a subject of debate in France. Jalibert’s attacking instincts are clear; fitting them seamlessly alongside Dupont’s influence is the unresolved question.

Eddison believes the upside outweighs the risk. “He’s ridiculously talented… When he’s playing well, he’s a joy to watch and that can make France an even more formidable team,” he said.

Youth adds edge from the bench

France’s bench reinforces the sense of evolution. Kalvin Gourgues, a versatile Toulouse back, continues his rise after recovering from health issues, while Lenni Nouchi a former Under-20 captain offers mobility and leadership late on.

Depoortere’s inclusion in the starting side completes a picture of a squad edging toward its next World Cup cycle, even as it tries to defend a title.

France may still deserve favouritism. But on opening night, against familiar opposition, the margins look narrower than they did a year ago.

Sources: BBC Sport NI