A touch of derring-do from Rob Kearney as he bursts up field from full-back. Ireland recycle possession, but it's at mobility-scooter pace. France subsequently steal the ball and Mathieu Bastareaud is called into action, punching a tiny hole in the Irish defence.

Image source, AFP

Maxime Machenaud's penalty sails between the posts and the French are rubbing salt into Irish wounds, punishing them for their errors - though they have been two harshly-awarded penalties.

Dave Kearney is swallowed up by Maxime Machenaud and the Irish winger is punished for holding on. Up steps the scrum-half.

France were penalised at the scrum, which allowed Jonathan Sexton to find touch. Quick line-out from the Irish and the French must hold firm. Rob Kearney knocks on, though, ruining a promising platform - but he makes amends seconds later by gathering a humongous up-and-under.

The injured Thierry Dusautoir watches on from the sidelines, the flanker's body language not giving much away, but it is early days. Ireland's put-in at the scrum. Referee Steve Walsh isn't happy with the front rows so we go again... which sets off Brian Moore in the commentary box...

Denis Hickie
Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

"A huge let-off for Ireland. France went straight through the midfield but an absolutely shocking pass. France did not score, but all the momentum is with them and Ireland are struggling to get into this game."

Ireland attempt to turn the scrum, but France get the ball out just in time. Dimitri Szarzewski is a fraction from collecting Maxime Machenaud's offload. The hooker would have been through had he done so.

Louis Urruty:, external England fan but not sure I have it in me to support anyone stopping O'Driscoll getting the send off he deserves.

Joe Hooper:, external As hard as it is for an Englishman to say, come on France!

Paul Wharmby:, external Brian O'Driscoll to score a hat-trick in a man of the match performance. France to win by one. Allez les bleus!

Tweet us on #bbcrugby.

Phillip Matthews
Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"I hope that was just a bit of stage fright. Ireland need to hold their heads and be patient, not force things."

For possession and territory there's only been one team in this match in the opening seven minutes, and that's France. Ireland penalised at the breakdown and the hosts have a scrum in enemy territory.

Oh. Oh. Danger for Ireland as Mathieu Bastareaud bursts through the midfield, leaving would-be tackler Gordon D'arcy flapping at fresh air. Luckily for the Irish, the Frenchman is not known for his regal handling and he throws the pass way, way forward. It's probably too early to say 'sacre bleu'...

Maxime Machenaud's effort seemed to be drifting wide but it wobbles in off the posts and it's first blow to France.

Image source, AFP

Brice Dulin spots a gap but the door is firmly shut by a phalanx of green defenders. France recycle, and are awarded a penalty as Chris Henry is penalised on the floor, though the flanker seemed to be on his feet.

Denis Hickie
Former Ireland international on BBC Radio 5

"I think the result and game today is all about France trying to prove a lot of their detractors wrong. The build up, in many ways, is what France would have wanted. They have been written off in the press and I think are super pumped up for this game. France always have a crowd behind them from minute one, it is as the game goes on and if their team is not performing things can change."

Steve Walsh is the man charged with making sure the rules are adhered to and he toots his whistle, getting this finale under way.

No tears from Brian O'Driscoll as he sings the national anthem for one final time in Irish colours. A deep breath from the centre, though. Time now for La Marseillaise. The brass band booms. Ah, isn't the Six Nations wonderful...

A gladiatorial welcome for both teams as they walk into a wall of sound. One fan, wearing a Brian O'Driscoll face mask, is captured by the cameras. Irish flags are being waved frantically. The men in green line up side by side. The anthems are about to begin.

Here are the men who will entertain us for what will be the 2014 Six Nation's last hurrah:

France: 15-Brice Dulin, 14-Yoann Huget, 13-Mathieu Bastareaud, 12-Gael Fickou, 11-Maxime Medard, 10-Remi Tales, 9-Maxime Machenaud; 1-Thomas Domingo, 2-Dimitri Szarzewski, 3-Nicolas Mas, 4-Pascal Pape, 5-Yoann Maestri, 6-Louis Picamoles, 7-Alexandre Lapandry, 8-Damien Chouly

Replacements: 16-Guilhem Guirado, 17-Vincent Debaty, 18-Rabah Slimani, 19-Alexandre Flanquart; 20-Sébastien Vahaamahina, 21-Wenceslas Lauret, 22-Jean Marc Doussain; 23-Maxime Mermoz

Ireland: 15-Rob Kearney, 14-Andrew Trimble, 13-Brian O'Driscoll, 12-Gordon D'Arcy, 11-Dave Kearney, 10-Jonny Sexton, 9-Conor Murray; 1-Cian Healy, 2-Rory Best, 3-Mike Ross, 4-Devin Toner, 5-Paul O'Connell, 6-Peter O'Mahony, 7-Chris Henry, 8-Jamie Heaslip

Replacements: 16-Sean Cronin, 17-Jack McGrath, 18-Martin Moore, 19-Iain Henderson, 20-Jordi Murphy, 21-Eoin Reddan, 22-Ian Madigan, 23-Fergus McFadden

Ireland have not beaten the French since their last Six Nations title in 2009, although that was at Croke Park.

France have lost only five of the last 31 games against Ireland in the Five/Six Nations (W23, D3)

Ireland's last victory in France was in 2000 - one of only two on French soil since 1972.

England's Mike Brown on Twitter:, external For 80 minutes only I'm a French fan! Every English man & woman get behind them! Allez Les Bleus!!!