Demanding Dupont set to fire France in Ireland opener

The 29-year-old scrum-half will be making his first appearance for Les Bleus in 11 months following a cruciate knee ligament injury against the Irish in last season's tournament. Although France still romped to victory in Dublin once their talisman went off, and sealed the Six Nations title the following week at home to Scotland, Dupont was sorely missed during an uninspired autumn campaign. France were humbled 32-17 at home by 14-man South Africa before labouring to beat both Fiji and Australia.