The French XV were unrecognizable against Ireland. The Blues were outplayed physically, unable to compete with the intensity.

Patrick Arlettaz replaced Laurent Labit for the French attack. Laurent Sempéré took over from Karim Ghezal for the sidelines. Thibault Giroud gave way to Nicolas Jeanjean for physical preparation. Fabien Galthié's second mandate began with a new staff. The new staff must still prove themselves. For the second year in a row, they lost against Ireland, with one thing in common.