Six Nations 2015: Key Battles to Watch out for in Week 4 Schedule
Six Nations leaders Ireland head to Cardiff on Saturday knowing that their hopes of a Grand Slam are likely to hinge on the Round 4 faceoff against Wales.
Warren Gatland's side will do their best to revive any hopes of the title with a win over Joe Schmidt's outfit, who come to the Welsh capital after overcoming England with a spectacular win in Week 3.
England play host to Scotland on Saturday evening as the Red Rose looks to bounce back from defeat with a Calcutta Cup victory, with Italy then playing host to France on Sunday.
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The Six Nations is set for more sparks this weekend following a week away from the action, and we analyse one key battle from each of our Week 4 ties.
Wales vs. Ireland
Leigh Halfpenny vs. Rob Kearney
The form of Scarlets' Liam Williams had some believing that Leigh Halfpenny perhaps didn't deserve the starting berth as Wales No. 15 this year, but his performances have been nothing if not rock-steady over the past five weeks.
The Toulon maestro faces an almighty collision with another in-form talent in the shape of Ireland's Rob Kearney this weekend and BBC ScrumV quoted ex-Wales flanker Martyn Williams as stating Halfpenny will be Gatland's key:
Aside from his kicking duties, the full-back has once again proven himself to be a tremendous aerial asset over the past month and more, which is just as well considering the threat Kearney brings in that regard.
Utilising high ball was critical to Ireland's win over England, but Paul Williams of Rugby World said the same tactic won't work at the Millennium Stadium:
Wales will have undoubtedly done their homework on what went wrong for the English and Halfpenny's positioning in particular will be crucial to any hopes they have of repelling Jonathan Sexton's probes.
Two of the world's best full-backs at present are set for what could be their most explosive collision yet, with both players bringing magnificent properties to their teams in both attack and defence.
England vs. Scotland
Courtney Lawes vs. Jonny Gray
Stuart Lancaster is overjoyed to finally welcome a fit-again Courtney Lawes back into his starting XV on Saturday, the Northampton lock having sat out the first three games with injury.
The England coach will need his strength at lock, too, considering Jonny Gray's recent rise as one of Europe's most promising second rows. Rugby World's Charlie Morgan anticipates a brilliant clash between the two:
The modern lock is steadily evolving into a more and more mobile creature, with physicality being one trait both these figures bring to their teams in excess.
However, one might indeed argue Lawes is the more terrifying beast, regularly tackling in the double digits and injecting a fierce running game. The Saints star spoke to England Rugby ahead of his return:
Gray is no shrinking violet, though, and after taking over the captaincy following Greig Laidlaw's substitution against Italy, Opta's Russ Petty called for the 21-year-old to receive the armband full time:
"Time to make Jonny Gray captain.
— Russ Petty (@rpetty80) March 12, 2015"
It's a call echoed by many and a stellar compliment to the youngest player in Vern Cotter's squad but a sign of just how essential his individual presence is, particularly with a frame such as Lawes' bearing down.
Italy vs. France
Luca Morisi vs. Gael Fickou
Gael Fickou has come into Philippe Saint-Andre's XV this weekend as one of eight changes, replacing Remi Lamerat at outside centre for Sunday's Rome fixture.
With Lamerat injured and Toulon's Mathieu Bastareaud out of form, Fickou has a useful opportunity to stake his claim on Saint-Andre's No. 13 jersey for the long term in Week 4.
However, as athletic a presence as he brings to the role, Italy's Luca Morisi has stood out as a talismanic presence for the Azzurri and will look to combat his influence with his own back-line heroics.
Rugby World writer Gavin Mortimer is looking forward to Fickou strutting his stuff from the first whistle, with Maxime Mermoz replacing the injured Wesley Fofana to assemble a new-look midfield:
"This will be Fickou's 4th start for France, and 1st time he's partnered Mermoz in the centre. Suddenly I've become very excited about Sunday
— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) March 12, 2015"
Morisi scored a brace of tries against England in Week 2, one year after a late Fickou try had its own dramatic impact against the English during the 2014 tournament.
Both players are young and capable of dazzling line-breaks, but it will be of some intrigue to see how Saint-Andre's new lineup settles and whether Italy can exploit any weakness.
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