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Galthie: Hungry replacement forwards preparing to win second half

France head coach Fabien Galthié says Ireland must be prepared for a hungry replacement front-5 ...



France head coach Fabien Galthié says Ireland must be prepared for a hungry replacement front-5 on Saturday. 

He's named six forwards on the bench for Saturday's potential Grand Slam decider, as he looks to out-muscle Andy Farrell's side in the second period.

Galthié has made one enforced switch from last week's win over Italy with the injured Jonathan Danty replaced in midfield by Yoram Moefana.

The other change is purely down to the coach, as François Clos comes in on the blindside with Dylan Cretin dropping to the bench.

Asked about his decision to go with a 6-2 split on the bench, Galthié's response was one with intimidatory intentions.

"We have a fresh front five, which is stamping its feet, ready to bring its energy in the second half," he said.

Galthié added, "We have a team that is preparing to win this second period, they must bring their determination after keenly watching the first period.

"We intend to release them on Saturday so that they bring us everything they have in them." 

Les Bleus' chief heaped praise on Ireland, saying they'll need to reach peak performance if they're to shoot down Farrell's charges.

"Clearly yes, we are going to hit the peaks," said Galthié.

He feels discipline will be key on Saturday, having been one of France's weak points in the win over Italy.

"The Irish concede few penalties, they are rarely whistled," Galthié said, "They really know how to play within the rules, and show great discipline.

"We are more random. The match against Italy - in particular weather conditions - allowed us to realise that we had to be more vigilant about positioning, especially easy fouls to avoid - like offsides."

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Fabien Galthie France Ireland Six Nations