By Gavin McLeavy (@gavinmcleavy)

Wales v France, Friday 3:05 PM

Warren Gaitland created a Wales side that is respected no matter who is on the field and the French will have to be to be at their best if they are to hand the Welsh their first loss of the tournament.

Developing strength in depth in key positions has been crucial for Gaitland and at flanker he is rotating Warburton, Lydiate and Tipuric, then Moriarty and Turnbull. And let’s not forget Faletau, who seems to own the No. 8 jersey. Dan Biggar has filled in nicely for Halfpenny, while being successfully backed up by Rhys Priestland.

Gaitland is managing a rugby obsessed country well and I wouldn't be surprised should they go all the way this year. France is a small obstacle in the big scheme of things but Wales have a habit of slipping up when you least expect it.

The new French regime of Guy Noves had a scare in the first 60 minutes against Italy but came out a different team the following week beating a tired-looking Ireland into submission!

It’s as if Noves was looking for players who were hungry when he put out the inexperienced team against Italy in Round 1. It's clear that against Ireland he found the hungry ones, and for the sake of French rugby I hope it continues.

France approached the game against Ireland with aggression up front but still managed to play it through hands out wide quickly. This game plan is surely to give new, Fijian born French 7's player, Vakatawa plenty of ball time to look for offloads and find players in space. Vakatawa is a handful and was phenomenal in both games: he carried 19 times in the latest game, the most of any of the centers and wings. He is constantly searching for the offload after contact. I'm sure France will try that again, but the astute Welsh team will likely have spotted this pattern as well.

Check Out No. 2 in My Top Tries of the Week to see what Vakatawa is capable of:

Italy v Scotland, Saturday 9:15 AM on beIN SPORTS Connect 3

The Italians have nothing to be ashamed of in the first 2 rounds of this years tournament and hopefully they life yet in them. True, the England game got away from them, but they held their own in both games for long periods.

This weekend is the best chance they have of avoiding the wooden spoon and it is time that several players step up to the level of Parisse, their captain. A good showing is sure to inspire the nation to get more involved and grow the base of numbers playing in Italy. Parisse can’t carry them forever.

Scotland lost their first two games, but have played well in spots. On paper, they should beat Italy and can beat France the following week if they come out all guns blazing. Vern Cotter has made six changes for the Scots due to injuries, although most should be back the following week if needed. Expect a big scoreline as both teams are weak defensively.

England v Ireland, Saturday 11:50 PM

This should be the game of the weekend. Two teams that have a lot to prove and know each other inside and out. New coach Eddie Jones should bring a few new tricks to this game as he slowly turns the English into a more clinical, aggressive team.

The Irish have played poorly so far by their standards so they will be up to prove why they are defending champions. I really don't see Ireland ending the 3rd round with only 1 point from a possible 6. However, England should be their toughest test so far. It’s a question of who raises their game higher.

News that Launchbury is out through injury means that hard hitting Lawes gets another chance to prove himself for a second time in a row. Not a bad replacement.