Scotland skipper Kelly Brown is penalised for not rolling away at the ruck and Jonny Sexton has the simple task of firing between the posts to put Ireland ahead. Real intent from the hosts in the last few minutes.

Line-out-and-drive from Ireland towards the tryline but Scotland hold firm. Greig Laidlaw kicks to touch but Scotland under pressure.

That has woken Ireland up. Suddenly, with coach Joe Schmidt watching on from an executive box, the home side start to show some of that early intensity they showed against New Zealand as they steal Scotland's first line-out.

Liam Sanders:, external On paper, Scotland should be really good. In reality, I'm in doubt.

John McErney:, external Ireland need to make a huge statement today! Prudent kicking needed!

First scoring chance for Scotland but a penalty by Greig Laidlaw cannons off the post. Early escape for Ireland who are slow to get going.

Phillip Matthews
Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"There was patience from both teams with that start. Scotland showed composure on the ball, and did not look for one-off plays.

"I do not think Ireland will play too much in the line-out without the ill Paul O'Connell."

Ireland attack for the first time. Luke Marshall powers forward but he is brought to a shuddering halt.

Image source, Getty Images

The Scots are probing with Kelly Brown in the thick of the action. Bright, early start for the visitors but Ireland's defence is made of stern stuff, as Sean Maitland discovers.

OptaJonny:, external Scotland have won just two of their last 27 away games in the Six Nations, claiming a rare victory in Dublin over Ireland in 2010 and a win in Rome in 2006.

OptaJonny:, external Scotland have only won on the opening weekend of the Six Nations once, beating France in round one in the 2006 edition of the tournament.

Kirsty Adams:, external Come on Scotland, do the nation proud.

Simon Carter:, external Hope the scrum is policed better today. It may be static but the feeding is still not straight.

Will Brown:, external C'mon Ireland, big start and pressure on to the end. Great day for running, attacking rugby. Go on, you can do this.

All systems go and under blue skies in Dublin a roar goes up at the Aviva Stadium. There's an early touch for Jonny Sexton but Scotland are quick out of the blocks and ploughing into Irish territory.

Matt Newsum:, external Natty tracksuits worn by the Scotland lads. That's worth a try start surely?

The clock is ticking. Battle is about to commence. And the Irish players, linking arms, certainly know how to belt out a national anthem.

Andy Nicol
Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"Moray Low has a big job on in the front row for Scotland. Alex Dunbar is an exciting prospect at outside centre."

If this game is have as good as the fireworks that greet the two teams as they walk onto the pitch then we're in for a belter. Scotland are first out and have formed a huddle. Ireland follow. Stand by for the national anthems.

Scotland coach Scott Johnson on BBC One

Image source, Getty Images

"The weather suits both sides. It encourages intent, so hold onto your seatbelts.

"We want to make sure our tackles are good. It is one of the biggest areas that will contribute to success.

"It has been drummed into me about our away form. If I knew the reasons why it was so poor, I would fix it - there are no excuses."

Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton on BBC One

"It is rare you get a coach who is good tactically and good with the players. Joe Schmidt has that.

"We now need to improve our consistency going forward."

Sean Rory:, external Cometh the day and cometh the Irish. This is our year.

Rhys Ingram:, external Paul O'Connell is a HUGE loss to the Irish! He has been phenomenal for Munster this season.

Paul Leonard:, external Same intensity as against the All Blacks please Ireland.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Ex-Ireland winger Denis Hickie: "The Scotland pack is bigger than the Ireland pack so losing Paul O'Connell as well as Sean O'Brien is a huge problem for Ireland and a fillip for Scotland.

"I think Ireland will be genuinely rattled by O'Connell's late withdrawal - he's the guy they look to to lead from the front."

Image source, @scotlandteam

It's going to be intimidating. Hostile. The piercing sound of bagpipes are being drowned out by tens of thousands of Irish voices in Dublin. Quite simply, Scotland's players will be feeling a million miles away from home.

But the Scots have come up with a novel way to feel at home - by decorating the visitors dressing room at the Aviva Stadium in their national colours.

Remember, Scotland are poor travellers. A cunning plan to convince themselves this is a home game?