This weekend sees two more important Summer Tests being played, as France welcomes Italy to Paris on Friday at 3:00 pm (ET) and Wales hosts Ireland on Saturday at 9:30 am (ET). 

US-based subscribers can catch both games LIVE and On Demand on FloRugby.

France vs Italy - August 30

Wales vs Ireland - August 31

The name of the game this weekend is World Cup selections. With the World Cup fast approaching, many teams either have or are about to choose their 31-man squads. 

Wales coach Warren Gatland plans to make his announcement on Sunday, with the other nations sure to do the same within the next week. 

France and Ireland will want to bounce back this weekend after disappointing results a week ago, while Italy and Wales look to kick on from their victories in their previous outings. 

France vs Italy

France, as ever, have started their Summer Test matches inconsistently. After destroying Scotland at home in France, 32-3, Les Bleus turned around seven days later and blew a 14-3 lead, losing 17-14. 

It sounds like a broken record to say it at this point, but it's true that France is loaded with talent. From Guirado to Iturria, to Dupont, Fofana, Fickou, and Penaud there is simply no shortage of ability in this squad. 

[Archive RWC]
"This is how dangerous @FranceRugby can be" - @MaxMedard aide à éliminer l'Angleterre en quart de finale de la RWC 2011 (19-12)#RWC2019 J-23

▶ https://t.co/ZYesTslYes pic.twitter.com/hhr3vnoiRL

— Rugby World Cup (@RugbyWorldCupFR) August 28, 2019

The question is whether or not they can fine-tune themselves in time for the World Cup to begin. This meeting with Italy is a good opportunity to sharpen the blades a bit and build some more continuity in the team. 

For Italy, they'll be looking for a big performance to get them on the right track for Japan. They will see both South Africa and New Zealand in pool play, so any chance of making it through to the quarters rests on beating one of those teams. 

The Italians had a great chance to beat France during the Six Nations this year, but they unsurprisingly botched it away at the end. 

Conor O'Shea's team certainly does have some world class players. Sergio Parisse is an all-time great, and the young Matteo Minozzi, who will join Wasps this year, is a rising star that has scored great tries against quality opposition. 

Wales vs Ireland

It's redemption week for the Irish, as they try to bounce back from the hiding put on them by the English a week ago. 

Joe Schmidt will experiment with his lineup some this weekend, notably moving Tadhg Beirne over to flanker and starting the Connacht trio of Kieran Marmion, Jack Carty, and Bundee Aki in the backline. 

Just five days ago, Ireland had a chance to be #1 in World Rugby's rankings with a victory. Now, the Irish are looking for a win so that the nation doesn't implode. 

Doubters have come crawling out of the woodwork ever since England defeated Ireland in Dublin during the Six Nations. While the men in green have done little to silence those doubters since, there is still hope. 

Beating a formidable Welsh team in Cardiff on Saturday would do the pulse of Irish rugby a big favor. 

Wales, meanwhile, have risen to the top spot in the world rankings having won 15 of their last 16 matches. 

Confidence is high in the Welsh camp and, after Saturday's fixture, the boys will know who is and who isn't going to be on the plane to Japan. 

.@RhysCarre: "It's been a whirlwind six months for me" ?️

We caught up with the young loosehead from Cardiff at Wales' training camp in Turkey. #HWFN pic.twitter.com/dzhxMXoyca

— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) August 28, 2019

Coach Gatland is giving guys a chance to earn their seat on the plane this weekend, as he's named somewhat of a second-choice side for the test with Ireland. 

Another win against the Irish, especially with a depleted lineup, would solidify Wales as genuine World Cup contenders, as if they weren't already. 

Don't miss any of the action this weekend! These bouts figure to be high scoring, and free-flowing, and you can catch them all LIVE or On Demand right here!