France V Wales, Stade de France, Saturday, 5.00

Following their shock defeat to Italy last Saturday the French coach Philippe Saint-André has made minor adjustments to his team by adding the huge Mathieu Bastareaud in place of Florian Fritz and in doing so adding weight and power to the centre of the park to challenge the two giant Welsh centres, Jamie Roberts and John Davies.

As a result of the injury to the French captain Pascal Papé, Thierry Dusatoir returns to a once familiar role as captain, a situation which the French will be hoping brings a sense of normality back to their side.

Similarly to France, Wales have suffered an injury to their captain Sam Warburton and as a result Justin Tipuric is in the side to replace him. Many in Wales believe Tipuric would have been drafted into the squad regardless of the fitness of others’ as he led the second half revival in Cardiff. The changing face of Wales also sees Ryan Jones, who has returned from injury, taking over the armband as he replaces Aaron Shingler at blindside flanker.

The back row is where the key battles will occur on Saturday. With Toby Faletau taking on the huge Louis Picamole the question will be whether or not the Wales number 8 can pass the test and match the Frenchman.

Another crucial battle will be between Tipuric and Thierry Dusatoir. There have been claims that Tipuric, for all that he looks to have a very bright future ahead of him, might crumble in the face of the challenge on what will be only his twelfth international cap.

The wings and fullbacks could prove to be the key to who takes the win from Saturday night in Paris. French wonderkid Wesley Fofana and Benjamin Fall had a quiet game in Rome and have yet to really kick start their Six Nations careers in 2013. In contrast, despite a disastrous first forty minutes, the Welsh wings Alex Cuthbert and George North played massive roles in the Welsh comeback in Cardiff last Saturday, with Cuthbert scoring a try and North making excellent yards through a physically dominating performance. If all four carry their recent form into this game it could be the Welsh who find their redemption in Paris on Saturday.

-Gavin Barrett

Photo: Wales's Matthew Rees tackled by Thierry Dusautoir of France
©INPHO/Dan Sheridan