Gary Barlow:, external Ireland have a severe lack of shape in the backline in open play. I can't see how it can penetrate Wales.

Stewart:, external Very intense from both teams straight from the off. Looks like it's going to be a good game.

Daniel Thomas:, external Wales' discipline letting them down. Still close though. All is not lost.

Wales have conceded seven penalties in the opening 25 minutes. Both defences are on top. Suddenly, Andrew Trimble spots an opening and steps in off his right wing past three tacklers but Wales manage to turn the ball over at the breakdown.

Blue skies give way to a dirty dark cloud overhead and Andrew Coombs wins a line-out. But Wales are not asking enough questions of Ireland. It is fair to say this game has yet to get going. Very tactical. Definitely not rip-roaring.

Martyn Williams
Former Wales captain on BBC One

"When you've got guys like George North and Jamie Roberts I'd like to see Wales go off the top at the line-out and have a go at the smaller guys like Gordon D'Arcy and Jonathan Sexton, and get over the gainline."

Great take by Leigh Halfpenny from Jonathan Sexton's high kick. A scrappy opening quarter to this huge fixture but Ireland deservedly have their noses in front.

Image source, AFP

Still early days but Ireland keep the scoreboard ticking over as another Jonathan Sexton penalty opens up a six-point cushion. The loss of Scott Williams has not helped Wales' cause. Scarlets full-back Liam Williams is on, on the left wing, with George North (above) moving to centre.

If only Ireland had a real cutting edge to their play. The visitors are on the defensive and have conceded five penalties, four by Dan Lydiate alone. Scott Williams is injured and replaced.

Martyn Williams
Former Wales captain on BBC One

"Wales centre Scott Williams is playing with one arm out there - Ireland should have spotted it."

Martyn Williams
Former Wales captain on BBC One

"It's like a war zone at the moment, guys down left right and centre - George North is down, Brian O'Driscoll, Scott Williams..."

Brian O'Driscoll, on his 130th Ireland appearance, requires treatment as he is winded following a tackle by Scott Williams. This is shaping up to be the physical encounter the experts predicted.

Andrew Priestley:, external Ireland v Wales is always a feisty encounter, and the whole Gatland v Brian O'Driscoll saga only adds to the spice. Colossal game for both.

James Tonkinson:, external I reckon Ireland could pip Wales. A win for the men in green would open up this tournament big time.

Matt Green:, external It's O'Mahony v Warburton for me.Whoever comes out on top drags his nation to victory - and it'll be O'Mahony.

Warren Gatland will be a little concerned. Wales haven't got going yet. The momentum is with the hosts who look the more settled side. They are making the hard yards but it is a physical Wales defence.

Phillip Matthews
Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"Wales loose-head prop Gethin Jenkins has had more strapping applied to his knee - they'll do well to get half an hour out of him."

Phillip Matthews
Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"Wales committing more men to the ruck, trying to counter-ruck but giving away the penalty."

Jonathan Sexton kicked 13 points against Scotland last week and the Racing Metro fly-half is up and running against Wales. Easy for the 28-year-old.

Paul O'Connell is determined to make up for lost time. The returning Irish captain has been involved in much of the early action. Very kickable penalty this for Ireland.

Penalty to Wales as Gethin Jenkins, fully recovered from his early knock, is adjudged to get the better of Mike Ross at the scrum. The Irish defence stands firm and eventually Peter O'Mahony forces a penalty after a Paul O'Connell tackle on Dan Lydiate, who is pinged for holding on. Steady start by both teams.

Martyn Williams
Former Wales captain on BBC One

"Worrying signs that Gethin Jenkins went down so early in the game. He's been struggling with his knee and looks like he's tweaked it again."

Ireland started slowly against Scotland and it is Wales who make a bright start here. But the game is two minutes old and Gethin Jenkins goes to ground with what looks like a knee problem. The Cardiff Blues loose-prop gets back on his feet. But there's pain etched across his face.

Image source, PA

And action! It's actually a beautiful day in Dublin and English referee Wayne Barnes gets the game under way.