France vs Ireland RWC 2015 preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Pool D fixture at the Millennium Stadium

Rob Kearney limped out of the win over Romania minutes after scoring a try (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Nigel Owens. It’s not often you feel the man in the middle could have so much riding on the match, but this time, in the home of his country’s rugby, Owens will be fighting for his own place in the World Cup final.

Teams...

France: Scott Spedding; Noa Nakaitaci, Mathieau Bastareaud, Wesley Fofana, Brice Dulin; Frederic Michalak, Sebastien Tilous-Borde; Louis Picamoles, Damien Chouly, Thiery Dusautoir; Yoann Maestri, Pascal Pepe; Rabah Slimani, Guilhem Guirado, Eddy Ben Arous.

Replacements: Benjamin Kayser, Vincent Debaty, Nicholas Mas, Alexandre Flanquart, Bernard Le Roux, Morgan Parra, Remi Tales, Alexandre Dumoulin.

Ireland: Rob Kearney; Tommy Bowe, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Dave Kearney; Jonathon Sexton, Conor Murray; Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien, Peter O’Mahony; Paul O’Connell, Devin Toner; Mike Ross, Rory Best, Cian Healy.

Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Jack McGrath, Nathan White, Iain Henderson, Chris Henry, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Luke Fitzgerald.

Best stat…

22. In the two World Cup clashes these teams have had this century, France has won both of them by 22 points, 43 – 21 in Melbourne (2003) and 25-3 in Paris (2007). The other match, in 1995, was also won by France 36-12.

Remember when…

The name “O’Driscoll” first entered our consciousness? In 2001, a very young Brian O’Driscoll arrived to the world. With a 27 year drought of victories in France, a hat trick from O’Driscoll helped rain on the French parade and set about the golden era of Irish rugby.

Player to watch…

Rob Kearney: The Irish Lion has played 101 minutes of this World Cup and has managed to score two tries in the process, including a score off the bench against Romania. Back in his usual position with his brother on the wing, watch out for this one.

Past three-meetings…

Ireland 18 (Madigan) – France 11 (Taofifenua) Six Nations February 2015.

France 20 (Dulin, Szarzewski) – Ireland 22 (Trimble, Sexton) Six Nations February 2014.

Ireland 13 (Heaslip) – France 13 (Picamoles) Six Nations February 2013.

Form guide…

France: LWWWWW

Ireland: WLLWWW

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 4.45pm Sunday, 11 October.

TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV