European champions France seek redemption tomorrow after successive defeats to New Zealand against an Argentina side who themselves have a point to prove.
Argentina, increasingly frustrated at their failure to gain a place in the northern or southern hemisphere championships, have beaten the French in their last four matches.
Another victory at the Stade de France on the final weekend of the November international season would condemn the World Cup hosts to three losses in as many matches.
It would add further weight to Argentina's campaign to join the world elite in an annual competition and give added spice to the opening World Cup match between the teams at the same venue on September 7 next year.
In tomorrow's other matches, the All Blacks meet Wales in the final game of their last European tour before the World Cup, world champions England play South Africa in the second of two tests, Scotland host Australia and Italy play Canada.
On Sunday, Ireland meet the Pacific Islanders in what has been billed as the final match at Lansdowne Road before it is demolished.
The respective displays of Argentina, who upset England for the first time at Twickenham this month, and Ireland, 21-6 winners over a weakened Australia side, make France's World Cup group look even more daunting.
France, Ireland and Argentina are grouped in Pool D with the runners-up facing a probable quarter-final against the All Blacks in Cardiff.
On current form Ireland, who are playing with increasing confidence and skill, are favourites to win the Six Nations championship.
They gave a magnificent first half display of ball retention and handling in the teeth of a ferocious wind in the Wallaby match before easing up after the interval.
Australia, scrambling to construct a decent pack, have made five changes to their forwards against a Scotland team who have announced only two injury-enforced changes.
Scrumhalf Matt Giteau combines with Stephen Larkham again for the Wallabies while Scott Staniforth gives them extra physical presence in the centres.
England, desperate for a win against South Africa at Twickenham last Saturday, eventually prevailed through a combination of willpower and mistakes by the inexperienced Springbok side.
Their performance, apart from a stirring final 10 minutes, was mostly abject and coach Andy Robinson and captain Martin Corry might not survive even if they win again tomorrow.
South Africa, who have lost their last seven matches against England, will be handicapped by the loss of flyhalf Butch James who scored one try and made another in the first test.
New Zealand captain Richie McCaw and flyhalf Daniel Carter start their fourth match in a row as part of a strong New Zealand outfit at the Millennium Stadium.
The match promises to be the best of the day with Wales committed to all out attack in contrast to France, who opted for damage limitation last week.