France head coach Fabien Galthié warned his players they face an immense challenge in their Six Nations clash against reigning champions Ireland on Saturday in Dublin.

Galthié's men go into the match at the Aviva Stadium in second place in the Six Nations table, three points behind Ireland.

Victory for France would put them in the driving seat ahead of the final game on 15 March in Saint-Denis against Scotland.

Success for Ireland would set them up to become the first nation to win three consecutive crowns since 2000 when Italy joined the competition to make it the Six Nations championships.

"It's true that this match is special," Galthié said. "There's so much at stake. We're all aware of that. It's what we wanted and it's what we want.

"Ireland are an immense challenge. Danger will come from everywhere."

Galthié will field Romain Ntamack at fly-half following his return from a two-match ban. Damien Penaud, who missed the match against Italy, will play on the wing, said Galthié. Their inclusion means Léo Barré and Théo Attissogbe drop out of the squad.

"Ireland are a very high-level team, one of the two best nations in the world, if not the best nation in the world, and they're playing at home," Galthié added.

Return

Ireland welcome back their skipper Caelan Doris. The 26-year-old forward, who will win his 50th cap, sat out the win over Wales last month in Cardiff due to a knee injury.

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