5 key battles ahead of the Wales v England game

Both of these players could of been competing for a starting place for the Lions if it were not for Hartley's suspension, with Hibbard in the end getting the nod at Hooker. Hibbard has enjoyed a successful start to his Gloucester career and with Samson Lee in such great form Wales scrum is looking good ahead of Friday's game. As for Hartley his performances on the field have always earned him praise but his discipline has let him down with countless amounts of cards and suspensions in his career. The battle between him and Hibbard should be an interesting one as both look to enjoy success with lineouts and in the scrum.

Both captains will go head to head again on Friday night as they look to get the better of one another. They are similar players as they are not known for being exceptional ball carriers but they make up for it with their dedication on the pitch and countless amounts of tackles. Warburton has been rested well for this Six Nations campaign with his dual-contract from the WRU stating that he will only play 16 games for the Cardiff Blues this season so he should be flying on Friday . As for Robshaw he will have a point to prove once again to Warren Gatland after missing out on a place in the Lions squad in 2013.

Both these players go into the game in fine form for their clubs and they will need to bring that form into Friday's game if they are going to lead their country to victory. Biggar who has been subject of much criticism from Welsh fans at times, enjoyed a successful Autumn series with some fine performances in particular against South Africa and New Zealand, where he reached double figures of tackles in both games.  As for Ford with Owen Farrell injured for the entire championship it now gives him his chance to cement his place as England's first choice Outhalf. With Ford the place kicker for England there will be a bit more pressure on him than Biggar as he will look to kick his side to victory in front of a packed Millennium Stadium.

This is set to be an exciting battle between two of the best backs in the Aviva Premiership. George North who returns to the side after missing the South Africa game in November will look to cause Watson all sorts of problems, with his pace and physicality causing mayhem for wingers all around the world. As for Watson he will be making his Six Nations debut and will not enjoy coming up against North. However the Bath man has enjoyed another superb season and after performing well against the likes of Habana and Rob Horne in November he will be confident of dealing with North.

Both fullbacks are extremely influential for their sides but for different reasons. Halfpenny is arguably one of the best place kickers in the game with the Toulon man having one of the best kicking percentages in the world. As for Brown he may not be the place kicker for England but his composure in defence and his attacking from deep has made him one of England's most important players. He had a very successful Six Nations campaign last year scoring four tries in five games and was the top try scorer alongside Johnny Sexton.