Ireland vs. Wales: 5 Key Battles in International Match

Warren Gatland's Wales face a difficult trip to Dublin on Saturday as they prepare to face hosts Ireland in the latest of their World Cup warm-up fixtures, with revenge in mind following the home defeat suffered in Cardiff three weeks ago.

Joe Schmidt's men soundly bested their Celtic rivals at the Millennium Stadium, where star performances from the likes of Jamie Heaslip and Keith Earls helped further their bid to be ready for the World Cup.

Saturday's meeting will be the penultimate warm-up outing for both teams and the final chance for players to impress prior to the World Cup squads being named on August 31.

Those circumstances promise to coax the very best from two of Europe's elite, and we've selected five key battles likely to play a prominent role in seeing who comes out on top at the Aviva Stadium.

1. Rob Kearney vs. Leigh Halfpenny

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British and Irish Lions team-mates turned enemies, it seldom disappoints when Rob Kearney and Leigh Halfpenny come together in a collision between two of the world's most accomplished full-backs.

Fly-halves Johnny Sexton and Dan Biggar both promise to make use of the high ball in Dublin this weekend, making the aerial duel between the two No. 15s that much more prominent a factor in the result.

As ever, Halfpenny is also likely to shoulder a certain responsibility in the kicking stakes, but an even greater pressure placed upon him will be to provide a stronger shield downfield than was on show in Cardiff three weeks ago.

Should Ireland's forward weapons once again be allowed to make ground through the line, Halfpenny's tackling prowess will be put to task, while Kearney will seek to cement his place as Schmidt's standout selection at 15.

2. Nathan White vs. Gethin Jenkins

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Ireland's squad features a heady mix of players whose World Cup futures are as good as sealed, along with those who are still fighting to ensure their place at the tournament—tight head Nathan White sits among the latter.

The New Zealand-born prop is ready to make his first start for his adopted nation after coming off the bench bench against Scotland two weeks ago for his debut.

A harsh test awaits him at the Aviva Stadium, however, as Wales all-time record cap-holder Gethin Jenkins comes to Dublin full of intent to show Gatland he's still the same talent of years gone by.

Between them, White, 33, and Jenkins, 34, hold a great deal of experience, but this will be new international territory for the former, who goes up against a seasoned force of the Test arena.

3. Luke Fitzgerald vs. Scott Williams

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One of the more intriguing selections named among Saturday's lineups was to see winger Luke Fitzgerald named at outside centre, with Schmidt continuing his willingness to experiment in the back line.

Meanwhile, Scott Williams will be looking to right the wrongs that occurred at the Millennium Stadium earlier this month, where despite being named as captain, the centre was one of those to fall flat under pressure.

It was a long way off the heroic substitute's performance that saw him clinch a winning score against Ireland in the Six Nations, but he still has time to prove he can be a solid replacement for injured Jonathan Davies.

Fitzgerald's selection at outside centre has the potential to be strong move as far as igniting the midfield attack is concerned, but a lack of defensive understanding in that role could see the Leinster man exposed.

4. Jamie Heaslip vs. Taulupe Faletau

A lot is to be expected of Jamie Heaslip on Saturday after the No. 8 enjoyed a marauder's display at the Millennium Stadium, where his strong running laid the marker for a visitor's win.

Taulupe Faletau came on as a half-time substitute in Cardiff and fans only got to see him duel with Heaslip for 14 minutes before the Leinster star was taken off, with injury prevention an undoubted concern for Schmidt.

Both players promise to be key figures for their respective teams in the World Cup, but first up comes a salivating clash of elite carrying units in Dublin.

Heaslip's success in Cardiff was no fluke, either. The42.ie analysed his input as being worth a particular impact at the scrum, especially in defence, where they managed to limit the amount of clean ball Wales produced.

Faletau will hope to steady the ship from the back and provide a counterweight for the pack, but it's in the loose where the real entertainment could spark between the pair.

5. Robbie Henshaw vs. Jamie Roberts

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Fitzgerald is a new figure in the Irish midfield, and it's somewhat comical to think he'll have a 22-year-old guiding him through the experience, but what a 22-year-old Robbie Henshaw is.

While his international story is all about potential and the talked-about filling of Brian O'Driscoll's boots, opposite number Jamie Roberts is as established as they come in the Welsh order.

Almost a year into Henshaw's proper Ireland introduction and Schmidt is still fighting to find a steady centre partnership, while Roberts and Williams must swiftly flourish if they're to thrive at the World Cup.

Roberts may boast the physical advantage over Henshaw, but the Connacht starlet will view this weekend's outing as a chance to further prove his credentials against an elite stopping power.