France won its opening two matches, 30-12 at home to Italy and 23-17 away to Scotland, but has yet to hit peak form, and Saint-Andre expects a bigger test against Ireland at Stade de France.
No. 8 Louis Picamoles makes way for Bonnaire, with Imanol Harinordoquy shifting over from flanker to No. 8.
Bonnaire’s ability in the lineout, as well as his mobility and outstanding tackling, could be crucial against Ireland, which has not won at Stade de France since 2000.
“Ireland always play quick lineouts,” Saint-Andre said. “We had problems with our lineouts at the start against Scotland, plus Bonnaire gives us great mobility.”
Medard injured his knee in the second half against Scotland, shortly after scoring a try following a surging run. He had been one of France’s best players in the first two matches.
Saint-Andre felt that Picamoles should have offered more against Scotland.
“Louis was good in defense, and he tidied up well, but he struggled with the attacking side of the game and knows he should have participated more,” Saint-Andre said. “We want to see him running with the ball in his hand.”
Saint-Andre resisted making more changes, even though hooker Dimitri Szarzewski tackled poorly against Scotland, and flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc struggled with his tactical kicking at times.
“We kept Dimitri because he needs confidence, even though he missed a few tackles at the start and was lacking in his judgment,” Saint-Andre said. “But we have faith in him and we’re sure of his ability.”
World Cup runner-up France has the luxury few teams have with a very strong bench, and veteran hooker William Servat — once considered among the world’s best hookers — is a useful option for Saint-Andre in the second half.
“William is always going to be dangerous in the last 30 minutes with all his experience,” Saint-Andre said.
Trinh-Duc’s ability to conjure up a moment of magic remains a factor that weighs in his favor, even though Lionel Beauxis is a much more consistent kicker. Beauxis, who came off the bench to calm the nerves with a late drop goal at Murrayfield, stays on the bench.
Trinh-Duc and scrumhalf Morgan Parra — the halves pairing which helped France win the Grand Slam in 2010 — start together for the third straight match. Scrumhalf Julien Dupuy, who came on for the final few minutes against Scotland, provides backup.
“Beauxis was very useful in Scotland, he got the drop goal and helped us out with this kicking game,” Saint-Andre said. “But I want to stick with Morgan and Francois. In terms of one-on-one tackling early in the game and keeping possession, it’s important to have this continuity.”
France had been scheduled to play Ireland on Feb. 11, a week after the Italy match, but the match at Stade de France was called off moments before the start because of freezing weather conditions, much to the anger of fans.
“I hope people haven’t thrown their tickets away,” Saint-Andre said. “I hope the fans will be right behind us in a packed stadium.”
France: Clement Poitrenaud, Vincent Clerc, Aurelien Rougerie, Wesley Fofana, Julien Malzieu, Francois Trinh-Duc, Morgan Parra; Imanol Harinordoquy, Julien Bonnaire, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Yoann Maestri, Pascal Pape, Nicolas Mas, Dimitri Szarzewski, Jean-Baptiste Poux.
Reserves: William Servat, Vincent Debaty, Lionel Nallet, Louis Picamoles, Julien Dupuy, Lionel Beauxis, Maxime Mermoz
