Galthie has named an unchanged pack with back row Gregory Alldritt having shaken off fitness concerns to start.

Ntamack renews his half-back partnership with captain Antoine Dupont after serving a two-game ban for his red card in the opening win over Wales.

Penaud, who has scored in his last two appearances against Ireland, is one try away from equalling Serge Blanco's record mark of 38.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the tournament's top scorer with five tries, retains his place on the left wing.

Three-in-a-row chasing Ireland lead the standings on 14 points after three games. France are three points behind the holders, so victory for Les Bleus could give them control of the title race heading into the final round of fixtures.

"This match has special stakes, we know that and that's what we want," said Galthie.

"What's more, it's a match against the best European nation in the last three or four years.

"They're a very high-level team, one of the two best nations in the world, if not the best, and they're playing at home. It's true that the challenge is immense. And taking on a huge challenge is what we're looking for."

Ireland will name their team at 12:00 GMT on Thursday.