Robert Jones
Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"I don't think there's a better goal kicker in the world game than Leigh Halfpenny. What he lacks in terms of penetration from behind (when running with the ball) he makes up for in other parts of his game."

Image source, Getty Images

Wales ease their way into opposition territory. The Welsh line-out has, so far, held firm under pressure but, then, Richard Hibbard's throw sails over his team-mates - but the referee has noticed Mauro Bergamasco barging at the back of the line-out and up steps Leigh Halfpenny. The full-back knocks it over with his usual aplomb.

The last five minutes of this match have been rather scruffy, but Luke McLean adds a bit of oh la la with a glorious kick to touch 5m or so away from the Welsh try line... The Italians are on the up, they're growing in confidence but can they puncture the Welsh defence?

Hayley Jackson:, external Help! We've got an Italian greyhound, born in Wales with an Irish name. Who should he be backing? All suggestions greatly received...

Kabelo Tp Malankane Tumelo:, external Wales are gonna retain the title with ease...

Wales have enjoyed 58% of possession so far in this match, but they are struggling in the scrum. The Welsh forwards are once again penalised for collapsing on an Italian put-in and Luke McLean clears to touch.

Billy Ford:, external So glad the rugby is back!

Ruth Thomas:, external Having my wedding ring made and now watching the rugby at my Dad's.

Stuart Morrison:, external At last! A ref who is penalising Wales rather than telling them not do to it. It's the only way they'll learn....

Image source, @walesrugbyunion

From left to right the hosts go before Rhys Priestland sets his backline rolling to the other direction once again. Leigh Halfpenny finds George North who releases Alun Wyn Jones. The tryline is looming... but the captain is forcibly ejected into touch by two granite Italian tacklers.

Oof! Leonardo Sarto is horizontalized in a gang tackle by Alun Wyn Jones and Richard Hibbard. Kerpow. That crunching tackle gives Wales the impetus to dash forward and they're now sniffing and sniping around the Italian 22... Stand by!

Image source, Getty Images

The fans have woken from their slumber and cries of "Ogi! Ogi! Ogi" are reverberating around the stadium. Italy, though, have battled back impressively and momentum is now with them. The men in blue attempt to bulldoze their way through the Wales defence but Taulupe Faletau brings a halt to that particular Italian attack.

Robert Jones
Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Wales need to be careful at the breakdown because they've given away four or five penalties already. Getting someone sin-binned would worry the team and coach Warren Gatland. They have to keep themselves disciplined and trust their defensive system."

Mike Phillips spins the ball out right... Rhys Priestland sashays and gains a yard or two... but Wales eventualy lose possession thanks to super defending by Italy captain Sergio Parisse.

Dai in London: As long as Priestland doesn't make a hash of it I'm sure the most stable team entering the competition will win - Wales for the championship.

Andrew: Other than the world-class rugby and sporting drama, the best thing about the Six Nations is the anthems.

James from Wales: About to start my driving lesson. I wonder if my instructor would appreciate turning the radio on so that I can catch the game?

Jonathan Davies
Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"The Italians started well but just one defensive lapse and they're behind. But they are certainly playing with a bit more width and have reduced the gap to four points."

Robert Jones
Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"A good confidence-booster there for Allan at 10 and Italy as a whole. Allan is obviously doing something right if he's playing well in French rugby [with Perpignan]. Here in this Six Nations he's got a chance to shine."

Image source, Getty Images

New dad Dan Lydiate is caught interfering at the ruck, the flanker is told he failed to roll away. And so, Tommaso Allan steps up in front of the posts, goes through an idiosyncratic routine before kicking it true.

Robert Jones
Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Here's a statistic: the Wales pack looks big. Italy also look formidable but Wales have a 10 stone advantage up front..."

Wales are penalised in the scrum, which gives Italy the chance to kick for touch and earn a line-out a yard or two away from the half-way line. The Azzurri then form a rolling maul... forward they rumble... before the hosts are again penalised, giving Luke McLean the chance of another touch finder. The Italians in the Welsh 22.

If the start of this match is an indicator of things to come, the Azzurri are going be camped in their own half for the majority of this match and will be forced to defend all day long. The crowd have stopped shouting and screaming, watching carefully perhaps as the players preparing to bind for the first scrum of the match.

Italy reclaim the ball and scrum-half, Edoardo Gori, finds touch with a well-weighted diagonal kick. But it's Wales' line-out and Italy have to defend a wave of red attack once again. George North, pumping and snorting down the wing, he kicks ahead... Will he get there? Nope. Leonardo Sarto clears the danger first. It was close, though. Oof!

Jonathan Davies
Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"That is the worst start possible for the Italians. Esposito should have cleaned that up. That's a poor mistake and Cuthbert is there to clean up."