Bernard Laporte is expected to shake up the French starting XV for Saturday's RBS Six Nations clash with Ireland when he announces his side this morning, although his walking wounded from last Sunday's stunning defeat to Scotland do not look like being deemed hors de combat after all.

While Thomas Lievremont (calf) and Pieter de Villiers (shoulder) took little or no part in yesterday's two sessions at the squad's base in the Rugby National Centre in Marcoussis, south of Paris, those players who had sustained seemingly more serious injuries in Murrayfield did train yesterday, namely Nicolas Brusque, Frederic Michalak and Julien Bonnaire.

Whether all are selected is another matter. There is a feeling that Christophe Dominici might be moved to fullback anyway in place of Brusque, with Aurelien Rougerie restored to the wing, while there seems little prospect of Ludovic Valbon, the talented young Brive centre who was pressed into action in place of late withdrawal Yannick Jauzion, holding on to his place in midfield after a particularly nervous and error-ridden display.

Given France's injuries at centre, the most likely scenario is that the thrice-capped Perpignan centre David Marty will be called up. Marty played for Perpignan two weeks ago and was presumed to be sidelined with a knee problem until he contacted the French management on Monday to notify them he was fit. Despite his call-up, the 40-times capped Damien Traille is not considered a particularly viable option given he hasn't played since October.

Reports that Michalak, the Toulouse outhalf, would not be picked in light of his ongoing groin problem look misplaced, as Laporte would be loathe to select the uncapped Bourgoin outhalf Benjamin Boyet inside such an inexperienced midfield.

Up front, there is speculation that Laporte will turn to some of the old guard, which would be in keeping with the call-ups for six of the tried and trusted French players to the squad on Monday.

Specifically, there is a strong feeling that there might be recalls for the English-based duo of Wasps hooker Raphael Ibanez and the London Irish flanker Olivier Magne in place of 23-year-old hooker Dimitri Szarzewski and one of the backrowers.