Six Nations: ‘They will keep the same fundamentals’ says France coach Fabien Galthie

France head coach Fabien Galthie is expecting Ireland’s attacking structure and style to remain the same despite Johnny Sexton being unavailable for the clash in Paris on Saturday.

Sexton was expected to lead Ireland and pull the strings on the attack but the fly-half suffered a hamstring injury on Thursday morning and will be replaced by Joey Carbery.

The clash in Paris could well be the decisive game in the race to the Six Nations title with both France and Ireland in blistering form, full of running and showing great attacking style. 

“We worked on Ireland and prepared for the game with him at fly-half,” Galthie said of Sexton.

“What we saw against Wales (last weekend) and New Zealand (in the autumn) he was their playmaker, their lead, their captain.

“We think this team are very structured, they have a very serene gameplan, they will keep that style of attack.

“We imagine they will keep the same fundamentals, attack and defence-wise despite the absence of Johnny Sexton.”

Les Bleus have made two changes to the starting XV which recovered from a slow start to defeat Italy 37-10 last weekend.

Centre Yoram Moefana will make his maiden championship start in place of the injured Jonathan Danty, while Francois Cros replaces Dylan Cretin in the back row.

Ireland are seeking a 10th consecutive win and Galthie is braced for a major test.

“It will be a solid match for us, Ireland arrive with a good run of victories, with the status of European number one and third in the world, therefore they are the best European adversary at the moment,” he said.

“They come to Paris with the same ambition as us: to win.

“Clearly Saturday we are touching the summit of European rugby, the sublime side of European rugby.

“Our opponent is hugely