Summary

  • France snatch 17-19 win with late penalty against Scotland at Murrayfield

  • Huget scores length-of-field try from interception

  • Tommy Seymour & Stuart Hogg score for Scotland

  • Ireland score seven tries to beat Italy 46-7 in Dublin

  • Brian O'Driscoll named man of the match, wins a record 140th cap

Live Reporting

James Standley

  1. TRY (Sexton, con Sexton)

    Jonny SextonAFP

    Ah, there's lovely. The bludgeon's not worked so the Irish turn to skill, Jonny Sexton and Brian O'Driscoll work some magic in midfield and the former races over for a delightful score.

    Racing Metro fly-half Sexton feeds O'Driscoll - his former Leinster team-mate - and the record-breaking centre flips a sublime no-look pass to Sexton as he loops behind.

    The fly-half takes it at pace, hands-off an attempted tackler and then shows good wheels to go round by the posts. Cracking score, which Sexton converts himself, and Ireland look to be on their way.

  2. Ireland looking to put the ball through the hands initially and then work the phases with their ball carriers hammering into the Italy midfield but the visitors hold out and nearly pick off an interception through Luciano Orquera.

  3. Get involved

    Cameron Wicks: These stats about Brian O'Driscoll are just incredible! What a legend, the greatest centre of the last generation.

    Jonathan Baldie: I predict Ireland will get a big points difference today v Italy, potentially damaging England's claim to the championship.

  4. Good early signs from the Irish driving maul as they make 15 metres or so from a line-out. Like being caught in a mangle trying to stop that I imagine.

  5. Phillip Matthews
    Former Ireland captain on BBC One

    "I don't think I have heard a more rousing rendition of Ireland's Call. That was really charged and this crowd are here to see Brian O'Driscoll off in style."

  6. Can he kick it? Yes he can, Luciano Orquera hangs it high and we're under way in Dublin's fair city.

    Andrew Trimble takes in dominant fashion and Paul O'Connell enjoys a flame-haired rampage as Ireland start well, but a poor kick from Jonathan Sexton halts the Irish momentum.

  7. Brian Moore
    Former England hooker

    "A big win for Ireland v Italy today and the Six Nations' title is theirs to lose."

  8. A great roar to end the Italian anthem. The leonine Martin Castrogiovanni blows through his lips in emotional fashion, he looks pretty pumped on the occasion of his 105th cap.

    Just the Irish anthems to come and we'll be under way. Excited? Me too.

  9. Get involved

    Thomas Rix: A rugby genius bows out on home grass today. Respect!

    I Dykes: Would love to see a try for BOD today to wave goodbye to Dublin. I'm sure he's got some magic left in him.

  10. Former Italy lock Carlo Del Fava: "The first thing Italy need to do is start this game really well. They need to get a bit of control. They cannot play an expansive game. They need to get the dominance up front to allow them the chance to get ahead."

  11. Phillip Matthews
    Former Ireland captain on BBC One

    "It is Brian O'Driscoll's day and I am sure he will have a big impact in the game, but I think Devin Toner is going to be hugely influential today. Ireland will have to maintain their patience because Italy will want to dominate the first 20. Ireland will not panic and I expect them to get on top, particularly in the second half."

  12. BBC Radio 5 live

    Former Ireland prop Reggie Corrigan of 5 live Breakfast: "I'm pretty confident that the result today will go Ireland's way. Coach Joe Schmidt hasn't made too many changes during these championships - he's stuck with the side, and he has had faith in it so far.

    "I think that's a bit surprising, as there were thoughts he might make a few changes building towards the future and that next World Cup. But Ireland are very much in with a chance of winning this championship, so Schmidt has gone with the safe option, a team that will do the job today."

  13. Just the one change for Ireland, with Ulster's Iain Henderson, 22, replacing Peter O'Mahony to win his ninth cap.

    Looking pretty grey in Dublin, but dry. No excuses lads, get that ball moving about...

  14. Get involved

    Adie Sampson: Brian O'Driscoll - a fantastic ambassador for the game who has always given 100% in every game I have seen him in.

    Mary Marron: Respect and love for BOD. You are a true legend.

    Jack Farrell: He will be missed. He's been a great servant for Ireland.

  15. Ireland coach Joe Schmidt: "Brian O'Driscoll is fine. I think he wants kick-off to come sooner rather than later and get started. There has been a bit of fuss made about the final game at the Aviva but it is a lot more than that - it is getting to 140 caps. He is exceptional and deserves that sort of record and I am sure he will befit that with the right sort of performance today.

    "As for the game itself, I am expecting a really tough battle. I think the Italians fill the field really well. We have to make sure we get the basic things right that allow us to get in front in the game not chase any points differentials."

  16. Jeremy Guscott
    Former England centre on BBC One

    "Brian O'Driscoll is very close to, if not the best player in his position. What has impressed me is his ability to adapt and change through his career. He sets the standards."

  17. Brian O'Driscoll's not the only record breaker today - Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni sets a new national record of 105 caps for the Azzurri, moving ahead of the absent Sergio Parisse.

    By the way, O'Driscoll's current tally of 139 caps includes eight for the Lions in addition to his 131 for Ireland.

  18. Get involved

    Laura Holtom: Settling in for this afternoon's rugby. Come on Italy!

    Richard Hinman: Big test for Italy in Dublin without Parisse - they will need to be at their best or it could get embarrassing...

  19. Sergio ParissePA

    The most glaring omission from the team line-ups is that of Italy captain and number eight Sergio Parisse.

    The world class Stade Francais player has a thigh strain and sits out today to ensure he will be fit to face England in the final round next weekend.

    He is replaced by Robert Barbieri while Paul Derbyshire (Tuscan born and Italy raised for those who are wondering) joins him in the back row and Luciano Orquera and Tito Tebaldi form a new half-back partnership.

  20. TEAM NEWS

    Ireland: R Kearney; Trimble, O'Driscoll, D'Arcy, D Kearney; Sexton, Murray; Healy, Best, Ross, Toner, O'Connell, Henderson, Henry, Heaslip.

    Replacements: Cronin, McGrath, Moore, Ruddock, Murphy, Reddan, Jackson, McFadden.

    Italy: McLean; Esposito, Campagnaro, Garcia, Sarto; Orquera, Tebaldi; De Marchi, Ghiraldini, Castrogiovanni, Geldenhuys, Bortolami, Furno, Derbyshire, Barbieri.

    Replacements: Giazzon, Rizzo, Cittadini, Pavanello, Vosawai, Gori, Allan, Masi.

    Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)