France boss Fabien Galthie has revealed his surprise that Johnny Sexton and James Ryan have not passed return to play protocols and are out of Ireland's side for Sunday's Six Nations clash.
Galthie was planning to face an Ireland line-up that had Sexton as captain and Ryan as pack leader, but instead he will face one that is also without Conor Murray as Andy Farrell has been forced into eight changes to his matchday squad, including four different starters, from last week's opening loss to Wales.
"We have just learned about this.," said Galthie, of the news that Sexton and Ryan had not fulfilled their requirements after both needed HIAs in Cardiff.
"Honestly, we thought he would pass the return to play protocol. So obviously they could not pass the levels required.
"They have changed the half-back partnership, the one that played the last part of the game against Wales. They also played during the Autumn Nations in certain matches.
"We will have to adapt accordingly. But our overall approach with regards to taking on Ireland will not change our style of play.
"The Irish will not be changing their style solely because three players who would have been selected are not playing."
Galthie has made two changes from his side that beat Italy 50-10 in Rome last Saturday, including the more defensive tactic of replacing Teddy Thomas on the wing with Damien Penaud, who is more solid under the high ball.
"Penaud fits the profile of the type of player which will allow us to be present in a sector of the game we imagine the Irish will rely on a lot, going down the blindside and also putting the ball up in the air," acknowledged the France head coach.
"He, to me, appears prepared for this type of battle".
