France vs. Ireland: 5 Key Battles That Will Shape 2016 RBS 6 Nations Clash

France welcome Ireland to Paris on Saturday hoping to maintain a winning start to the 2016 RBS Six Nations, but they'll have to make fast improvements if they're to claim revenge over the holders.

Les Bleus beat Italy 23-21 last Saturday in their first match under head coach Guy Noves, while Ireland overcame a rash of injuries to draw 16-16 against title contenders Wales at the Aviva Stadium.

Saturday's meeting falls four months after Joe Schmidt's side defeated France 24-9 in their Pool D clash at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and the Ireland chief is pleased to have several key players back in the frame for Week 2.

We've profiled a selection of the key battles likely to dictate the scoreline at the Stade de France on Saturday, where the returns of Sean O'Brien and Rob Kearney have handed Ireland a major boost.

1. Virimi Vakatawa vs. Andrew Trimble

It was a France debut to remember for Virimi Vakatawa, and no French fan will forget his maiden appearance for the national team either, after he scored a sensational opening try in the win over Italy.

Les Bleus may yet make a superstar out of their sevens convert, and Ireland winger Andrew Trimble has a major task on his hands when it comes to restricting the 92-kilogram wrecking ball with rapid feet to boot.

Noves may be keen to test Trimble on Saturday, too, after the Ulster man missed four tackles in the draw against Wales—just one tackle fewer than the rest of Ireland's starting backs in that match combined.

Vakatawa's stepping ability and acceleration make him a nuisance in tight spaces, and he's lethal from range. Ireland's best hope may be to get in his face early, test him under the high ball and hope Trimble has the aerial advantage to defeat him.

2. Yacouba Camara vs. Sean O'Brien

Yacouba Camara will face a baptism of fire in his first Test start for France this Saturday as he finds himself going up against a fit-again Sean O'Brien, who's undoubtedly raring to go after missing out in Week 1.

The "Tullow Tank" was instrumental in the win over France at the World Cup, and although there's no Louis Picamoles in sight after his tournament was ended by injury, O'Brien has plenty of reason to impress.

Camara, though still just 21 years of age, has been tipped for a big future, and it was Noves who brought the youngster through Toulouse's senior ranks before leaving for the France job last year.

The breakdown in particular is where the Frenchman will be looking to make his mark, but he and flank partner Wenceslas Lauret boast just nine international caps between them, meaning a lack of experience could be a concern.

Ireland enjoyed long spells of possession against Wales but were repeatedly denied in the opposition 22-metre area. Having O'Brien back in their ranks will aid those final phases of penetrative play, but the energetic Camara will be pivotal in keeping the Irish at bay.

3. Jonathan Danty vs. Robbie Henshaw

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The upcoming centre battle between Jonathan Danty, 23, and Robbie Henshaw, 22, could be one we see played out for years to come if each player manages to fulfil his potential at Test level.

Danty made his debut in the slender victory over Italy and offered a different dimension to dropped veteran Mathieu Bastareaud.

The Stade Francais playmaker gives a more refined edge, and he told the media of his priorities when playing, per Sky Sports: "The top aim for me is to break the line then send a pass of 15 or 20 metres to my winger, and then watch him touch down over the line. To be part of the full France team is quite something. It's a real honour."

That differs greatly to Bastareaud's priority list, which may well have stopped at "break the line," but Connacht star Henshaw is another multi-faceted centre who can match Danty in just about all areas.

It's an exciting time for French fans to see Noves attempting to revive another style through players like Danty, and two gifted young guns are set to collide in Paris in a midfield battle that will shape the two back lines.

4. Guilhem Guirado vs. Rory Best

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Two of the first names on the teamsheet this week also started in the October 2015 meeting between these European giants, where Rory Best came off a lot better in his hooker battle against Guilhem Guirado.

Now the pair are back, and each have the captain's armbands in a development that's sure to fuel their head-to-head, pitting two pack leaders in a high-pressure cauldron to see who blinks first.

Best will look to get Ireland's driving maul going at the lineout and offer a fierce presence at the breakdown, while Guirado is no small presence in the loose, having made 13 tackles against Italy—more than any other player.

5. Sebastien Bezy vs. Conor Murray

Misplaced kicking aside, scrum-half Sebastien Bezy had an impressive debut for France last weekend and was every bit the puppeteer Noves will have wanted to see after handing his former Toulouse charge a chance.

But he's coming up against a Six Nations veteran in the shape of Conor Murray this weekend, and the Irishman was arguably more dazzling in his try-scoring display against the Welsh.

Ireland enjoyed seemingly endless spells of possession against Wales, but Murray didn't tire and made a massive 98 passes in total, dwarfing the 69 Bezy managed before he came off for Maxime Machenaud.

Murray's familiarity with fly-half partner Johnny Sexton is a factor in why the pair function so well, and Saturday's meeting will test just how smoothly Bezy and half-back partner Jules Plisson are gelling.

All statistics come courtesy of ESPN Scrum.