England vs. France: 5 Key Battles That Will Shape 2015 Six Nations Clash

For the second Six Nations tournament in a row, England head into the last day of competition hoping to overcome Ireland's foreign assault and claim the title of their own.

Stuart Lancaster's side head into Week 5 atop the standings and will play host to France in the curtain-call fixture, at which point they'll know precisely what's required of them to claim this year's title.

It was a defeat to Les Bleus that ultimately prevented England from winning the 2014 Six Nations and Philippe Saint-Andre's men will again be out to spoil their day, backed by an Irish mob as they do.

We've outlined a selection of the key head-to-head battles sure to dictate the victor at Twickenham, with Lancaster's XV seeking to end Week 5 with silverware in their grasp.

1. George Ford vs. Jules Plisson

In an ever-rotating France lineup, the half-back positions have been an area of particular change and Jules Plisson comes into Saint-Andre's side this weekend for his first start of the Six Nations.

The selection of England counterpart George Ford is nowhere near as debatable a topic, having now cemented himself as his country's standout fly-half, looking to capitalise upon Les Bleus' uncertainty in that regard.

Stade Francais maestro Plisson made his first international start in last year's 26-24 win over England and will be seeking to replicate that result at Twickenham on Saturday, telling the official Six Nations website:

"

A small fracture is not enough to stop me from taking to the field, plus they say that injuries make the true rugby players. I feel good in my head, I'm physically fit. I'm looking forward to Twickenham and a huge game.

As a young rugby player, to be playing in that stadium for the conclusion of the tournament , it's great. This is the best match, a great opportunity. It is a very big chance for me. I'll have a big responsibility with the kicking game, the goal kicking. Some may think it's going to put extra pressure on me but I can guarantee you that it is a pleasure to play in this legendary stadium.

"

Plisson played his first minutes of this year's Six Nations after coming on as a half-time substitute against Italy last Saturday, converting all four of his attempted kicks, but Saint-Andre is seeking something more.

France looked utterly uninspired for periods of their win over the Azzurri, while Ford is leading England with aplomb, as evidenced by his try against Scotland last weekend. The two young fly-halves are at quite opposite stages of prominence in their respective squads, but both are looking to be leading figures come Saturday.

2. Billy Vunipola vs. Loann Goujon

Building up to the Week 4 win over Italy, France No. 8 Loann Goujon had made cameos of no longer than nine minutes in this year's tournament, but the La Rochelle star didn't disappoint in his first start last weekend.

Goujon proved his selection right with a carrying total of more than 100 metres against the Azzurri, per ESPN Scrum, the same kind of on-ball impact Billy Vunipola brings to this English setup.

At his heaviest, Vunipola holds a 15-kilogram weight advantage over Goujon and we may find the Frenchman's defensive nous around the fringes put under the microscope this Saturday.

However, coming off the back of a head-to-head with Italian superstar Sergio Parisse, Goujon has been prepared for what will inevitably be a demanding trip to London.

3. Jonathan Joseph vs. Gael Fickou

Gael Fickou retains his spot as France's starting No. 13 this weekend after making nine tackles against Italy in his last outing, the most managed by any French back.

Set to make his second appearance of the tournament, the Toulouse whiz will require every bit of that defensive know-how, too, as the often irrepressible Jonathan Joseph will be looking to scythe through him.

Having missed out in Dublin, Joseph returned to the scoresheet against Scotland and touched down for England's opening try, while Fickou couldn't bring quite as much innovation to Les Bleus' back line.

Having scored the match-winning try in Paris last year, Fickou undoubtedly has the potential to disrupt England's borders, but with Mathieu Bastareaud out of form, this is his first real opportunity to do so in the starting XV.

We'll swiftly find out whether or not the 20-year-old is ready for such responsibilities, while Joseph is looking to assert his usual presence off the shoulder of Luther Burrell, potentially holding the key to England's success.

4. Joe Marler vs. Nicolas Mas

Francois Mori/Associated Press

Yet another one of those new faces among France's ranks is Nicolas Mas, although not new in the general sense, just that he's finally been brought in out of the cold by Saint-Andre.

In fact, with 77 caps to his name, the tight-head is one of the most experienced propping tools at his coach's disposal and one Joe Marler would be wise not to underestimate, even if he is creaking slightly at the age of 34.

Mas played just 50 minutes against Italy and will by no means be an inexhaustible resource for Les Bleus, but his impact at the scrum could be dramatic should Marler not be up to the task.

That's where the French will be hoping to grasp some advantage, having made the presence of their pack felt against numerous foes this year and Mas is a fresh twist on a potentially devastating weapon.

5. Anthony Watson vs. Noa Nakaitaci

Noa Nakaitaci topped the carrying charts against Italy last weekend, recording a remarkable 117 metres with ball in hand—not bad for one's international debut.

However, Anthony Watson's challenge is sure to be a step above anything Jacques Brunel's men may have been able to muster and the Fijian-born flyer is sure to find himself on the back foot far more frequently this Saturday.

Watson's turn of pace was already a known attribute at Bath, but the youngster has genuinely proven himself to be an international gem, despite not adding to his try tally following the Week 1 score against Wales.

For both these speedsters, a lot will depend on how opposition players can be drawn to the breakdown, freeing up space in the backfield for either wing to really open up their stride, which is when they're at their most deadly.

Nakaitaci has the opportunity to impress and could go a long way to tying down his place in Saint-Andre's team with a fine performance on Saturday, but Watson's assault promises to make it a tough day at the office.