Gabin Villiere and Mack Hansen wing battle key to France v Ireland clash

France and Ireland will lock horns on Saturday in Paris in a mouth-watering contest which could have a major bearing on the destination of the Guinness Six Nations title.

Here, the PA news agency examines an intriguing battle between two of the star men from the opening weekend of the championship.

Gabin Villiere – Toulon and France

Position: Wing
Age: 26
Caps: 9
Debut: v Italy, 2020
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 14st 9lbs
Points: 30 (Tries 6)

Hailed as a “warrior” by France team manager Raphael Ibanez following last weekend’s hat-trick against Italy, Villiere was playing amateur rugby with Rouen as recently as three years ago. He honed his skills in the sevens game and eventually found his niche as a flying finisher having failed to fully convince at scrum-half or centre during the less illustrious days of his career. A hand injury curtailed his maiden Six Nations campaign in 2021 but he holds an enviable Test strike-rate and has remained central to the plans of Les Bleus coach Fabien Galthie moving towards next year’s home World Cup.

Mack Hansen – Connacht and Ireland

Position: Wing
Age: 23
Caps: 1
Debut: v Wales, 2022
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 14st
Points: 0

Thrust into Ireland’s starting XV for the tournament opener against Wales on the back of outstanding form for his province and an injury to James Lowe, the native Australian did not disappoint. Hansen, whose mother hails from Cork, delivered a fine assist for Bundee Aki’s opening try and went on to be named man of the match and the championship’s player of round one. The 23-year-old only moved to Ireland from Canberra-based club Brumbies last year. His instant Test impact came as little surprise to head coach Andy Farrell, who has described Hansen as a “smart rugby player” who “makes things happen”.