France vs England Six Nations Finale: TV Channel, Kick-Off Time and Team News
Everything you need to know ahead of the tournament's climactic conclusion on Super Saturday, as France host England in a decisive Six Nations clash in Paris.
The Stakes Are High in Paris
France enter this final fixture with the opportunity to secure consecutive Six Nations titles, despite seeing their grand slam hopes dashed by a remarkable 90-point defeat to Scotland. Under the guidance of coach Fabien Galthie, the French side remains in control of their own destiny, knowing precisely what is required to clinch the championship crown with Ireland and Scotland in action earlier on Super Saturday.
England, in stark contrast, are reeling from a historic first-ever loss to Italy, which extended their losing streak to three matches and intensified the scrutiny on head coach Steve Borthwick. The English team has never before concluded a Six Nations campaign with just a single victory, and they must now upset their hosts at the Stade de France to avoid that ignominious fate.
When and Where to Watch
France vs England is scheduled to kick off at 8.10pm GMT on Saturday 14 March at the Stade de France in Paris. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with comprehensive coverage beginning on the channel from 7.20pm GMT. A live stream will also be available via the ITVX platform for those preferring to watch online.
Team News and Line-Ups
France are compelled to make several adjustments to their pack due to suspension and injury. Oscar Jegou is suspended following an eye-gouging incident, while Anthony Jelonch is absent with a hamstring strain. Charles Ollivon moves from lock to No 8, with Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou forming a familiar second row partnership. Temo Matiu, who has been in excellent form for Bordeaux Begles this season, is set to make his international debut.
There is also an enforced change in the backline, as Pierre-Louis Barassi joins Yoram Moefana in midfield following an injury to Nicolas Depoortere.
England make just a single change to the side that was defeated by Italy in Rome, though it is a significant one. Ollie Chessum, more commonly a lock, makes his first start in the back row for England since this fixture in Lyon two years ago, as Steve Borthwick adjusts his strategy on the flanks. Guy Pepper shifts to the openside with Tom Curry ruled out due to a calf issue.
The same backline has been selected again, aiming to demonstrate greater cohesion and connection to capitalise on opportunities in Paris. Among the replacements, both Sam Underhill and Marcus Smith are in line to earn their 50th caps for England.
Confirmed Line-Ups
France XV: 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Dorian Aldegheri; 4 Thibaud Flament, 5 Emmanuel Meafou; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Temo Matiu, 8 Charles Ollivon; 9 Antoine Dupont (capt.), 10 Matthieu Jalibert; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Yoram Moefana, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 14 Theo Attissogbe; 15 Thomas Ramos.
Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Joshua Brennan; 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Emilien Gailleton.
England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Alex Coles; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Ben Spencer, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Cadan Murley, 12 Seb Atkinson, 13 Tommy Freeman, 14 Tom Roebuck; 15 Elliot Daly.
Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Henry Pollock; 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 Marcus Smith.
