The second fixture of Super Saturday sees France host Wales in Paris in the final round of the Six Nations.
After their victory over Italy last weekend, Wales have likely managed to avoid the horror of a wooden spoon, something which they had not picked up since 2003. Despite a change in fortunes, Warren Gatland's team face the mammoth task of overturning one of the form sides in world rugby in their own backyard.
France were one of the favourites for the tournament initially, but Ireland crushed their hopes of retaining their Grand Slam status when they beat Fabien Galthie's men at the Aviva Stadium in round two. However, after putting England to the sword last week with 53 points scored, Les Bleus will be absolutely brimming with confidence.
Here is everything you need to know about the game.
What time is France v Wales kick-off?
France v Wales kicks off at 2.45pm on Saturday, March 18th at Stade de France in Paris.
What TV channel is France v Wales on?
France v Wales is being broadcast live on ITV1 and S4C. Coverage begins at 1.55pm on ITV1 and 2pm on S4C. You can also live stream the coverage using ITVX and S4C Clic.
What's the France v Wales team news?
Fabien Galthie has made no changes to the backline that annihilated England at Twickenham last weekend, but there are two changes in the pack.
Uini Atonio comes back in at tight-head prop, and Romain Taofifenua joins Thibaud Flament in second row. Cyril Baille and Julien Marchand will pack down next to Atonio. Francois Cros, Charles Ollivon and Gregory Alldritt make up the back row.
Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack continue their formidable partnership at nine and 10 respectively. The midfield is completed by Jonathan Danty and Gael Fickou in the centres. Thomas Ramos is at full-back, and he's flanked by Ethan Dumortier and Damien Penaud.
Warren Gatland has made six changes to the side that defeated Italy in Rome last weekend.
Louis Rees-Zammit lines up at full-back, with Leigh Halfpenny amongst the replacements. Liam Williams is injured so there is no place for him in the 23. Josh Adams and Rio Dyer retain their places on their respective wings.
Mason Grady is not involved in the starting XV this week, with Saracens centre Nick Tompkins coming in at 13 and gets his first start this campaign. He lines up alongside Ospreys' George North, who makes his first start since round two against Scotland.
Dan Biggar returns to the XV, and is joined by Rhys Webb in the half backs. The front-row remains the same with Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis packing down. There is a shift in the boiler house as Dafydd Jenkins drops to the benhc, with Alun Wyn Jones coming in for him. Jenkins is named amongst the replacements however.
Due to an injury to Jac Morgan, Aaron Wainwright comes in at blindside, with Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau completing the loose forward trio. Owen Williams is named on the bench after starting the previous two matches. Faletau will earn his 100th cap this weekend.
France: 15. Thomas Ramos; 14. Damien Penaud, 13. Gael Fickou, 12. Jonathan Danty, 11. Ethan Dumortier, 10. Romain Ntamack, 9. Antoine Dupont; 1. Cyril Baille 2. Julien Marchand 3. Uini Atonio 4. Thibaud Flament 5. Romain Taofifenua 6. Francois Cros 7. Charles Ollivon, 8. Gregory Alldritt.
Replacements: 16. Peato Mauvaka, 17. Reda Wardi, 18. Sipili Falatea, 19. Bastien Chalureau, 20. Secou Macalou, 21. Maxime Lucu, 22. Yoram Moefana, 23. Melvyn Jaminet.
Wales: 15. Louis Rees-Zammit, 14. Josh Adams, 13. George North, 12. Nick Tompkins, 11. Rio Dyer, 10. Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, 1. Wyn Jones, 2. Ken Owens, 3. Tomas Francis, 4. Adam Beard, 5. Alun Wyn Jones, 6. Aaron Wainwright, 7. Justin Tipuric, 8. Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: 16. Bradley Roberts, 17. Gareth Thomas, 18. Dillon Lewis, 19. Dafydd Jenkins, 20. Tommy Reffell, 21. Tomos Williams, 22. Owen Williams, 23. Leigh Halfpenny.
Who's the France v Wales referee?
- Referee: Nic Berry (RA)
- Assistant Referees: Andrew Brace (IRFU) and Christophe Ridley (FFR)
- TMO: Joy Neville (IRFU)
What have the coaches said?
France head coach Fabien Galthie: "We must not forget that the Welsh won the tournament two years ago, and they were in a position to make the Grand Slam but we took them away in stoppage time. It's not far, two years. It's a team with players who, for some, have made three Grand Slams, who have won five tournaments. They have players at 100, and even 150 caps. It's a team that has always impressed me with its virtues, with players who leave their bodies on the line."
Wales head coach Warren Gatland: "I think France last weekend put in probably one of the best performances seen in a long, long time. They’re the number two team in the world. They bring a really physical approach to the way they play and they’ve tended to start well. So that’s the important thing. We’ve got to go out there and start well, make sure we’re in that arm wrestle with them and give ourselves that opportunity."
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