Buoyed by their victory over Scotland last time out, Wales take on France in Paris this weekend looking to maintain their charge for the Six Nations title.
An opening-game defeat against England looked to have derailed the Red Dragons' campaign before it had even truly begun, although a well-fought win at Murrayfield two weeks ago has paved the way for another Welsh success in this tournament.
With current leaders Ireland and England facing off on Sunday, this contest provides both Wales and France a real chance to stake a claim at the top of the standings, although defeat will surely spell the end of any lofting ambitions of claiming the crown.
Wales coach Warren Gatland, who admitted this week that he is concerned over his job future following the departure of Welsh Rugby Union chief Roger Lewis, has opted to recall George North for the Stade de France clash in one of four changes to the side that narrowly edged out Scotland.
North will make history by becoming the youngest ever player to reach 50 international caps when he runs out onto the field in Paris at the age of just 22.
History is certainly on Gatland's side with Wales having beaten France in their last three encounters, and with the World Cup fast approaching thoughts will quickly switch back to the 2011 meeting between the pair in New Zealand.
Les Bleus came out on top that day to progress through to the final where they went on to lose against New Zealand, but a lot has changed in the four years since that memorable match.
While Gatland perhaps surprised some by making four changes to a winning side, Phillipe Saint-Andre has decided to shuffle around his backline by bringing in Brice Dulin, Remi Lamerat, Sofiane Guitoune and Morgan Parra.
The changes could make for a sense of unpredictability, but it will also freshen things up following the 18-11 defeat against Ireland last time out, a reverse which really took the wind out of Les Bleus' sails following the victory over Scotland a week prior.
Wales may have had the better of things in recent times, winning 27-6 in last year's meeting, but home advantage is likely to play a big part this time around.
France:
Recent form: LWLWWL
Starting lineup: Brice Dulin, Yoann Huget, Remi Lamerat, Wesley Fofana, Sofiane Guitoune, Camille Lopez, Morgan Parra, Eddy Ben Arous, Guilhem Guirado, Rabah Slimani, Romain Taofifenua, Yoann Maestri, Thierry Dusautoir, Bernard Le Roux, Damien Chouly
Wales:
Recent form: WLWLWL
Starting lineup: Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, Gethin Jenkins, Scott Baldwin, Samson Lee, Luke Charteris, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton, Taulupe Faletau
Sports Mole says: 17-12
No Data Analysis info
