France

15. Emile N'Tamack

Age: 28. Height: 6'2["]. Weight: 14st 3lbs. Caps: 28.

Tries: 17 (penalty, conversion) ANOTHER Rolls Royce from the French conveyor belt of top quality full backs. May be only keeping the berth warm for Jean Luc Sadourny until the latter recovers from injury. N'Tamack could then switch back to the wing.

14. Philippe Bernat-Salles

Age: 28. Height: 6'. Weight: 12st 2lbs. Caps: 23. Tries: 15.

The TOP try scorer for France in last season's Grand Slam-winning Five Nations. Chequered international career that began in 1992, but for a long time was more stop than start.

13. Franck Comba

Age: 27. Height: 5'7["]. Weight: 11st 13lbs. Caps: 4. Tries: 1.

A relative newcomer to the international scene, he is seen as the panacea to French midfield problems. Won his first full cap against Argentina last June and his last in the non-cap friendly defeat of Italy.

12. Richard Dourthe

Age: 24. Height: 6'1["]. Weight: 13st 6lbs. Caps: 13. Tries: 2 (15 penalties, 16 conversions).

Temperamental star who might have added more caps but for his occasional brushes with authority. Was cited by England after an international in 1996 and subsequently banned.

11. Thomas Lombard

Age: 23. Height: 6'2["]. Weight: 14st 6lbs. Caps: 2. Tries: 1.

A member of the Stade Francais team beaten by Ulster in the European semi-final. His inexperience will be something Ireland would hope to exploit.

10. Thomas Castaignede

Age: 23. Height: 5'9["]. Weight: 12st 4lbs. Caps: 21. Tries: 8 (14 penalties, 4 dr gls, 32 cons).

Recently recovered from a serious shoulder operation. Excellent against Italy, his diminutive appearance belies his tackling ability.

9. Philippe Carbonneau

Age: 27. Height: 5'9["]. Weight: 12st 12lbs. Caps: 26. Tries: 5.

The scrum-half berth has been something of a revolving door in recent seasons with Carbonneau, Fabien Galthie and Guy Accoceberry taking turns. Will look to impose himself on proceedings.

1. Christian Califano

Age: 26. Height: 5'11["]. Weight: 17st 13lbs. Caps: 39. Tries: 6.

Injury has severely curtailed his international career in the last 12 months, his last game against Wales in the 1998 Five Nations. Huge reputation as a bulwark in the loose.

2. Raphael Ibanez.

Age: 25. Height: 5'11["]. Weight: 15st 12lbs. Caps: 15. Tries: 2.

FRANCE has only lost one match under his captaincy, against Australia at the end of last year. Led them to a Grand Slam last season. Good leader.

3. Franck Tournaire

Age: 26. Height: 5'11["]. Weight: 18st. Caps: 30. Tries: 2.

Definitely the bad boy of the team, old Franck is noted for his aggression both on and off the pitch. Nearly sparked a riot in Ebbw Vale in a contretemps with a policeman after the final whistle.

4. Fabien Pelous

Age: 25. Height: 6'6["]. Weight: 17st 4lbs. Caps: 35. Tries: 2.

WON A Students World Cup medal in 1992. Has flitted between No 8 and the second row, but the latter position is the one he has favoured over the past 18 months.

5. Olivier Brouzet

Age: 26. Height: 6'8["]. Weight: 18st 10lbs. Caps: 28. Tries: 2.

Gargantuan figure and primary source of lineout possession. Very good athlete with a hard edge, he first played for France in 1994 against Scotland.

6. Philippe Bennetton.

Age: 30. Height: 6'3["]. Weight: 16st 3lbs. Caps: 56. Tries: 7.

Profits from the late withdrawal of Marc Lievremont through injury. Vastly experienced player who can play on the flank or in the middle of the back row. Powerful figure.

7. Olivier Magne

Age: 25. Height: 6'2["]. Weight: 15st. Caps: 18. Tries: 1.

Played for France at several levels before making his debut against Wales in 1997. Integral part of the double Grand Slam winning teams. Particularly adept in loose play.

8. Thomas Lievremont.

Age: 25. Height: 6'2["]. Weight: 16st 9lbs. Caps: 10. Tries: 2.

Perpignan captain and one of six brothers who play rugby. Recalled for this match after missing the Italian game. Noted playmaker. A player around whom much revolves.