Six Nations: X-Factor Player Battles to Watch out for in Finale Weekend

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at Internationaled.org

Published: March 11, 2014

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With three teams still in the race for 2014 triumph, this Saturday's Six Nations curtain closer will reveal who out of Ireland, France and England will lift this year's title.

The tournament has lived up to its billing as being the most competitive of its kind, with no other edition of the sport possessing the same level of openness.

As we head into the crunch climax, we've broken down some of those head-to-head battles that promise to have the biggest impact on which team comes out with the trophy.

 

Liam Williams, Wales vs. Stuart Hogg, Scotland



Wales' 29-18 loss to England on Sunday means that the reigning champions are now incapable of winning a third successive Six Nations championship, and the news of Leigh Halfpenny's dislocated shoulder was another piece of harrowing news to emerge from the disappointment.

With their first-choice full-back now out for the rest of the season, Liam Williams is likely to be deputised in the No. 15 jersey. The change impacts the Welsh kicking game dramatically but also adds an air of uncertainty in other areas.



Scotland, meanwhile, were unfortunate not to claim a shock win over the French on Saturday. Stuart Hogg was once again one of the beacons in that performance, grabbing the first try to begin the rebellion.

Scott Johnson's side may now feel that their use of the high ball will change with Hogg matched opposite a weaker aerial opponent. His incisive moves in the Scottish back line could be all the more damaging, with Williams being less of a defensive asset than the man he's likely to replace.

 

Louis Picamoles, France vs. Jamie Heaslip, Ireland



It was seen as a controversial decision for Philippe Saint-Andre to suspend Louis Picamoles from his squad for the trip to Scotland over the weekend, but the international staple makes his return to the l...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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