Six Nations: France wing Vincent Clerc fears frozen Paris pitch

Image caption, France winger Vincent Clerc fears over the Stade de France pitch will be frozen

France wing Vincent Clerc fears the current cold snap in Paris could make the Stade de France pitch dangerous in the Six Nations game against Ireland.

Temperatures are expected to be well below zero during the game on Saturday night although the French Federation insists that the clash will go ahead.

"If it's minus seven on Saturday, there is reason for concern," said Clerc.

"It was already frozen when we played Italy (on Saturday). The parts near the touchline were frozen."

Saturday's game kicks off at 2000 GMT and the French Federation will use hot-air blowers and covers to maintain the pitch temperature in the run-up to the match.

Like much of Europe, France has been hit by freezing temperatures which have dropped to as low as minus 10 degrees on the outskirts of Paris.