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Louis Picamoles is back in the French team. INPHO/James Crombie
Team news

France make four changes for Six Nations decider

Philippe Saint-Andre has recalled Louis Picamoles to play at number six against Ireland.

FRANCE COACH PHILIPPE Saint-Andre has called back teenager Gael Fickou as one of four team changes for the last chance Six Nations championship decider with Ireland in Paris.

The 19-year-old Toulouse centre scored the dramatic late try that beat England and Saint Andre will need his aggressive talent in the battle for a victory on Saturday while the Six Nations crown is still mathematically open.

Fickou is considered one of the most dangerous players of his generation, but he has generally been used as a replacement by Saint Andre.

“He is in form, he is fast,” said Saint Andre. “We need to see his talent on show from the start.”

Fickou will team up with Mathieu Bastareaud in the charge for points after France managed only a close 19-17 victory over Scotland last weekend.

Saint Andre has also brought back Remi Tales, 29, in place of Jules Plisson to reinforce France’s defence.

Dimitri Szarzewski comes back as hooker in place of Brice Mach and Louis Picamoles also returns after he was dropped against Scotland for showing a “lack of respect” to referee Alain Rolland in the defeat to Wales. The Toulouse star, though, has been named at blindside flanker with Damien Chouly at number eight.

Ireland, England and France are level on points but Ireland and England have a far superior points scored record.

France team v Ireland: B Dulin; Y Huget, M Bastareaud, G Fickou, M Medard; R Tales, M Machenaud; T Domingo, D Szarzewski, N Mas, P Pape (cpt), Y Maestri, L Picamoles, A Lapandry, D Chouly.

Replacements: G Guirado, V Debaty, R Slimani, A Flanquart, S Vahaamahina, W Lauret, JM Doussain, M Mermoz.

- © AFP, 2014

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