Raphael Lakafia to debut for France against Ireland

BIARRITZ forward Raphael Lakafia will make his France debut against Ireland in Bordeaux on Saturday. The uncapped 22-year-old was today named in Marc Lievremont's starting line-up for Les Bleus' first World Cup warm-up game.

He will feature alongside France captain Thierry Dusautoir and club skipper Imanol Harinordoquy in the back row. "We wanted to integrate Raphael Lakafia," said Lievremont. "He will be well surrounded by Thierry Dusautoir, Imanol Harinordoquy and Dimitri Yachvili."

Vincent Clerc has been named on the wing despite a knee injury, with prop Fabien Barcella named 23rd man notwithstanding an elbow problem. Lievremont's side will face Ireland at home this weekend and then in Dublin on 20 August before kicking off their World Cup against Japan in North Shore City on 10 September.

France: Traille; Clerc, Marty, Mermoz, Palisson; Trinh-Duc, Yachvili; Marconnet, Szarzewski, Ducalcon, Pierre, Millo-Chluski, Dusautoir (capt), Harinordoquy, Lakafia. Subs: Guirado, Poux, Nallet, Bonnaire, Parra, Skrela, Medard. 23rd man: Barcella.