Summary

  • France beat England 26-24 in epic

  • Huget two tries, Fickou also crosses for France

  • Late Machenaud conversion gives France victory

  • Brown, Burrell tries for England

  • Champions Wales beat Italy 23-15 in first game

  • Wales tries Cuthbert, Williams; Italy Campagnaro 2

Live Reporting

Aimee Lewis

  1. The match dying a death by penalties. Blood is gushing from Sam Warburton's nose so there's a slight delay while the Lions captain receives treatment.

  2. The Welsh fans excitedly yelling and screaming, though, as Wales go through the phases and find themselves inside the opposition 22. That particular move comes to nothing but Wales subsequently have line-out on the halfway line.

  3. Alun Wyn Jones nicks Italian ball in the line-out and crosses the gain line but the hosts aren't quick enough off the blocks to make the most of it and counter-attack.

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

    "I'm not sure the Italian side are capable of creating two scoring chances with only a few minutes to go. But they've made a real fist of this today."

  5. Jonathan Davies
    Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

    "That was an important kick to take the game away from the Italians. That's the difference. When the kicks need to be slotted you need a guy like Halfpenny."

  6. We're heading to the final stages of the match and Wales are still unable to come up with that final, killer blow. Italy attempting to fight their way back once more. They're retaining possession without threatening too much.

  7. PENALTY (Halfpenny)

    Leigh Halfpenny is given the opportunity to make amends for the error which led to Michele Campagnaro's try. He has missed just one of his five kicks so far... He looks up towards his target, breathes out... and it's not his most convincing of kicks but it's three points nevertheless.

  8. Jonathan Davies
    Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

    "Once Leigh Halfpenny had the ball you could see straight away the interception was on. He just didn't look. As soon as he throws the ball Campagnaro is in. No one was going to get near this kid."

  9. England's Joe Simpson: Great first Six Nations game. Parisse is quality.

  11. Italy have battled back to contention and with just 10 minutes remaining the visitors have a surprise victory within their sights. But Wales have possession and are stepping up the pace.

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

    "That's no more than Italy deserve in this second half. Campagnaro has been very impressive, and that's his second try. Halfpenny's pass was well-read and no-one was going to catch Campagnaro. He looks a great footballer and a great asset for Italian rugby.

    "Warren Gatland has made all these changes but I think he's disrupted the Wales team."

  13. TRY (Campagnaro; conv Allan)

    Italy live on! Michele Campagnaro intercepts Leigh Halfpenny's telegraphed pass and the full-back can be seen screaming in despair as he watches the Italian centre sprint towards the line. Tommasso Allan reduces the arrears.

  14. Another change to the Wales front-row as Ken Owens appears, with Richard Hibbard making his way tot he substitutes' bench. A delightful grubber kick from Rhys Priestland and Italy must win their own line-out inside their 22 otherwise they're in trouble.

  15. PENALTY (Halfpenny)

    Wales v ItalyGetty Images

    Sergio Parisse pleads with the referee after the Italians are penalised for not pushing straight in the scrum. The captain's protests are in vain and, with the posts right in front of him, up steps Leigh Halfpenny. The full-back finds his zen and boots it over.

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

    "It's been disappointing from Wales in this second half. They've lost some of the way they play with ball in hand. They've tried to play from deep but have lost initiative and turnover ball. Meanwhile, Italy have turned the game around somewhat."

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

    "Wales are just not being allowed to relax. Having said that, Sam Warburton is being brought on..."

  19. Jonathan Davies
    Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

    "Wales look tired, to be honest. On comes Sam Warburton and for all the politics in regional rugby union [Warburton has become the first player to sign a central contract in Wales], the support for Sam is clear."

  20. SUBSTITUTION

    Sam Warburton replaces Dan Lydiate while Rhodri Jones comes on for a tired-looking Adam Jones. The substituted prop red faced and breathing heavily. On the pitch, Wales are upping the tempo.