Five key battles ahead of the France v Wales game.

Romain Taofifénua v Alun Wyn Jones

With Pape suspended for his knee into the back of Heaslip, Taofifénua will come into the France starting line-up. He was impressive in his substitute appearance against Ireland and will look to impress Philippe Saint-Andre and get the better of Alun Wyn Jones. Easier said than done as he comes up against one of the best locks in Europe. After a man of the match performance against Scotland, Gatland will be looking for more of the same from the Ospreys man as Wales look for their fourth successive win over France.

Dusautoir v Warburton

These two players have had some battles over the years and will come up against each other once again on Saturday evening. Dusautoir was impressive against Ireland and was one of their best ball carriers on the day. As for Warburton he led by example against Scotland putting in countless amounts of tackles and winning turnovers for his side. Both players are vitally important and their leadership qualities are important to the success of their sides.

Lopez v Biggar

After such an impressive Autumn series we were expecting a lot more from Lopez with the Clermont man failing to impress in the opening two games. As for Biggar he will relish coming up against Lopez after two impressive performances against England and Scotland. With Halfpenny taking the kicks for Wales, there is less pressure on the Ospreys Flyhalf and he is playing some of his best Rugby for Wales at the moment.

Thomas v North

With Cuthbert dropped from the squad, North will take his place on the right wing to make room for Liam Williams. The Northampton Saints player will come up against Teddy Thomas in what should be an interesting battle between two of the most exciting wingers in World Rugby. It must be said that both these players have not enjoyed the best of starts to this years Six Nations and will hope to get the better of one another and guide their side to victory.

Spedding v Halfpenny

This should be an interesting battle with both players impressive at claiming the high ball. Spedding didn’t do much wrong against Ireland but was beaten to the ball by Rob Kearney several times and will hope to do better against Halfpenny. As for Halfpenny. the Toulon man was impressive against Scotland and with his kicking proving to be highly accurate he will look to get the better of Spedding as Wales look for another win in Paris.

Ciaran Fallon