Wales v England - as it happened

1. Wales 16-21 England FT
2. Webb try for Wales, Halfpenny 8pts, Biggar drop-goal
3. Cuthbert yellow card for Wales
4. Watson, Joseph tries for England, Ford 3 pens, 1 con
5. England have Attwood try disallowed
6. First match of 2015 Six Nations

A match to scramble the nerves and shakes out the sinuses. And a result that only whets the appetite for an epic year of rugby to come.

Not a bad way to spend your Friday night.

A free-flowing Scotland side, the ever-enigmatic French and an Ireland side high as kites on Schmidt-fuelled confidence? You won't want to miss Saturday either.

See you back here tomorrow for them all yeah? Deal.

Get involved #bbc6nations

Luke Boddice: Great result for England. However assisted by Wales having no plan B once again.

Gary: Wales just didn't come out in the second half.

Philip Okeden: Good effort England. Soaking up the pressure and giving it back five fold. Well done to the youngsters.

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

"Chris Robshaw's stats are right up there. He leads by example. He's very composed in how he conducts interviews before the game and it's almost as if he says, 'give me the ball, I can carry it and takes full responsibility."

England reaction

Getty Images

England captain Chris Robshaw speaking to BBC Sport: "Definitely a very different feel around the changing room tonight than two years ago.

"You look at those first 20 minutes and a lesser side could've crumbled. But, we came in at half-time, regrouped and lifted the intensity.

"I thought the guys defended brilliantly tonight and really took the challenge on.

"We were always confident in the guys who wore the shirt tonight. We went quietly about our business beforehand when lots of people were writing us off and I think we can be very satisfied with what we've done tonight."

Coach reaction

PA

Wales coach Warren Gatland speaking to BBC Sport: "I think it was the third quarter that hurt us the most. It was a tough, tight Test match. You've got to give England credit.

"I thought we started well and looked comfortable at half-time. There's seven months to go to the World Cup. Even had we won today it wouldn't have meant a huge amount in regards to seven months time. We've lost the first game of the Six Nations and we have to get back on the horse."

Getty Images

Wales captain Sam Warburton speaking to BBC Sport: "We're very disappointed, it's not the start we wanted. There's four games to go - three of which are away. But you can't win a Championship by winning three games so every game has to be must-win now.

"The second half we struggled to get momentum and it seemed like England were on top for large parts of second half. You've got to give England credit."

Robert Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"George North wasn't in the game at all. He was poor. There was no spark from Wales and Jamie Roberts just couldn't get going."

Wales coach Warren Gatland has fronted up to the BBC television cameras and it sounds like he is stewing over his side's individual errors.

Rhys Webb gets name-checked for a botched box-kick while Richard Hibbard's throwing in at the line-out is also in his sights.

Full quotes to come...

Player reaction

PA

England's James Haskell to BBC Sport: "A lot of people make a big noise about the stadium. There was a bit of gamesmanship, but I couldn't stop smiling when they made us wait. You can either go into your shell or you can show a big of character.

"A couple of things didn't come off in the first half but we stuck to the game plan and it came off. There's a lot of talent in this group."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"The two wingers didn't play well, there was no counter attack. We knew England would come and kick a lot but you didn't see any counter attack.

"If Wales don't penetrate the game line there is no alternative. We didn't go wide. The talk was George North and Jamie Roberts going down George Ford's channel but that was non-existent.

"I couldn't see how Wales were going to win with 20 minutes to go. They had no possession, they didn't carry the ball and England dominated field position. England bullied them in defence. "

Coach reaction

Getty Images

England coach Stuart Lancaster speaking to BBC Sport: "I'm delighted. We put ourselves in a bit of a hole although we dug ourselves out. We dominated and left some points out there. Even at half-time I felt we were still in the game. We felt we had the edge on Wales in terms of fitness.

"The World Cup a long way off and there's a lot of time between now and then. But it's nice to be stood in this stadium listening to 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'."

Stuart Lancaster does dour. He does measured. He does considered.

It is not often that the Yorkshireman does selfies and skipping for joy.

It is one of those evenings for the England coach though as he poses for a couple of snaps for fans before leaping to high five some more visiting supporters as he heads down the tunnel.

Player reaction

BBC Radio 5 live

EPA

England try-scorer Jonathan Joseph speaking to Alastair Eykyn: "It's incredible. No greater feeling to come here to Wales and win, probably one of our greatest rivals.

"But the boys dug deep and got the win we deserved.

"There's a lot of confidence in the side and we've got the belief we can attack and penetrate anyone.

"The first game in this championship is massive and to get off to a winning start is huge for us."

Player reaction

Getty Images

England's George Ford speaking to BBC Sport: "I just wanted to knock it over for the lads. The performance - especially by the pack - was outstanding. We felt comfortable in the first half but had a bit of poor start."

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"England have been very composed. I cannot tell you how big a win that is for England at the start of 2015, and it was thoroughly deserved. George Ford played really well but there are a lot of heroes out there.

"England could have afforded to lose this game as they are going in the right direction but to win at Wales, and play so well, you can't put a price on that."

Where does this defeat leave Wales though?

For all their infamous fitness camps, Warren Gatland's side seem to have serious problems seeing out the business end of tight matches.

They have been repeatedly stung against the southern hemisphere big three and now England have come on strong along the home straight to win.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"George Ford is my man of the match. He has marshalled two players outside him. I think he has shown remarkable maturity."

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"I don't think Wales felt comfortable with all the razzmatazz tonight and the build-up and England stood up to the challenge on a night where neither side really knew what to expect from each other."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"It's a big loss for Wales, they were totally outplayed. England's defence dominated their ball carriers. There was nothing for Wales. It's a big big win for England. There was no plan B for Wales as usual."

James Haskell jabs a victorious finger into night sky. He was a presence everywhere around the field and is now firmly in the World Cup frame.

Full-time score summary

Wales:

Try: Webb

Con: Halfpenny

Pens: Halfpenny (2)

Drop goal: Biggar

England:

Tries: Watson, Joseph

Con: Ford

Pens: Ford (3)

Full-time

England forwards pile in to hold up their Wales counterparts from kick-off. Time drains away and Jerome Garces calls an end to the contest.

Penalty

The heist is almost complete.

George Ford's kick creeps over and Wales have a minute to go the length of the field and snatch victory.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"This is probably the most important kick of Ford's career."

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Luther Burrell has gone off the field and Billy Twelvetrees has come on and run around like a complete nutter. An incredible couple of minutes from England."

That might be the game locked down for England.

Billy Twelvetrees, fresh off the bench, limpets down over the tackled Luke Charteris and earns England a penalty up at halfway.

George Ford points at the uprights...

Wales are working through the phases. Luke Charteris bangs the ball up towards halfway.

They are still a way from drop-goal territory though and they are walking a tightrope with so little time remaining.

Get involved #bbcrugby

Kate Shaw: Unprintable language going on in my house.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"England may not be happy, but the referee has given his decision and it's important England get back and maintain their shape and discipline."

No try

Wales reprieved.

Nick Easter is judged to have blocked off Dan Biggar and the try is chalked off.

The crowd respond with more decibels and if the hosts win from here you can expect Stuart Lancaster to wear out the videotape reviewing that decision.

Try review

Dave Attwood burrows for the line. He's there!

But Wales want a review of some apparent obstruction from Nick Easter a few phases before.

Big call. And will Shaun Edwards' pre-match words warning of England's decoy runners play on the officials' minds?

Time to empty the benches.

Nick Easter on for England. George Kruis off.

Aaron Jarvis on for Wales.

Luther Burrell bursts through some paper-bag tackling in the midfield and England suddenly have a three on two.

Taulupe Faletau comes charging across on some lung-busting cover to even up the numbers and, under pressure, Burrell's pass floats behind the supporting James Haskell.

That could have been thank you and good night for the hosts.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

PA

"Ben Youngs has been the danger and England have taken him off. Maybe it's to close the game down with Wigglesworth kicking. It's the only thing I can think off."

A teaser of a box-kick from Richard Wigglesworth gives Jonny May every chance, but that is a superb take from Leigh Halfpenny charging up from full-back. World class from the number 15.

BBC

Get involved #bbc6nations

Bryan Belcher: England much better second half. Still fancy Wales to win.

John McEnerney: Massive 10 minutes for both sides, England could kill this off or Wales might just click! It will speak volumes about the teams.

Dave Shaw: Didn't see this performance coming, England boys doing the nation proud, keep going lads.

Changes aplenty now.

Luke Charteris and Mike Phillips replace Jake Ball and Rhys Webb for Wales.

England switch scrum-halves with Richard Wigglesworth on in place of Ben Youngs.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Wales have not been able to get in to their pattern this half. But what concerns me when England turn the ball over, they're trying to kill it right way. They need to boot it away and get it down to the Wales 22-metre line."

George North should not really be on the field.

A replay of the Wales wing's last clash of heads shows North going limp as he flops to the turf.

He is up and running again but someone needs to have a word with the Wales bench and get him off for his own good. This is not clever at all.

Get involved #bbc6nations

Laura Lewis: How did it go so wrong, so quickly?

Gwyneth Jones: Dear Millennium Stadium, start singing!

Sarah Haines: Pleasantly surprised by young England back line.

Whatever Stuart Lancaster has said to his troops at half-time, it has worked wonders.

It has been all England in the second half and the atmosphere has drained out of the Millennium Stadium.

The home team need to return the favour and gee up the crowd now.

Robert Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"England have dominated since half-time, they deserve their lead. This is a big 10 minutes now with Alex Cuthbert off the field."

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"I don't think Wales should panic. There's plenty of experience out there and there's a long way to go."

Penalty

George Ford strokes over the routine kick. He could have stubbed his toe on the ball and it would have gone over.

England are two clear and a man up with less than 20 minutes to go.

Sin-bin

James Haskell has to score!

Perhaps not! The England flanker charges through and seems set to go through the arch for seven points, but desperate cover from Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny takes the England flanker up against the post protector.

He has not touched the ball against the base of the post for a try, but Cuthbert has failed to roll away from the aftermath.

Yellow card for the Wales wing and a gimme penalty for George Ford.

England are starting to get the hang of this breakdown malarky.

Ben Youngs clamps down to strip the ball from Jake Ball before Wales are penalised for failing to roll away from the wreckage of a Billy Vunipola rumble.

Paul James on and Gethin Jenkins off for Wales in the front row.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's been a fast game. The ball's been in play a lot. Both teams have defended brilliantly, but they both want to attack as well. So there's been lots of work from the second rows, some real grunt and graft, which not surprisingly has taken its toll as the changes are made."

Get involved #bbc6nations

Ruth Biddulph: No need to take Dylan Hartley off, stupid decision.

First scrum test for England's rejigged front row and they flunk it. Mako Vunipola loses his grip on his opposite number, sinks southwards and is pinged by the referee.

Wales boot up towards the England 22-metre.

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"I have to say I wouldn't have made those substitutions at this moment of the match. Personally I would have kept them on. England are going well and there's no need for it. I just hope England don't regret this."

Getty Images

Good work from Joe Marler who shows a light fingered touch to steal a turnover after Taulupe Faletau's charge.

Pressure relived on the visitors and as play holds up for some treatment for Leigh Halfpenny, Stuart Lancaster makes his first changes.

Dylan Hartley and Joe Marler off and Tom Youngs and Mako Vunipola on in the front row.

Get involved #bbc6nations

Ian Bradley: England now in top gear, huge 10 minutes.

Keith Dunn: Game on indeed. Come on England! Must have the momentum now surely.

Kathy Hopper: Thought Wales originally. Thinking might be England now.

A one-point ball game then.

Dan Biggar has been a cool head at 10 for Wales and another astute kick turns Mike Brown and takes Wales up to the England 22-metre line.

Robert Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"I'm just getting the feeling that England are starting to get on top. There's a long way to go, but they're just controlling the ball a little better than Wales."

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"It was a difficult kick. But if you are to come to the Millennium Stadium and win then you have to put kicks like those over."

Missed penalty

George Ford, who creaked under big-game pressure in the Amlin Challenge Cup final last season, sends his kick sliding wide of the uprights.

You need to make those chances stick in matches like these.

Get involved #bbc6nations

EPA

Pete Rev: Cracking try - need to keep up the pressure.

Tomas Martin: That's awful Welsh defending. Went through three tackles!

Ian Ward: Why didn't England start the first half like that?

The tide feels like it has changed.

Sweet Chariot can be heard echoing around the Millennium Stadium and Dan Lydiate has gone off his feet to give George Ford the chance to put England ahead for the first time with a penalty 40 metres out and pretty much down the middle.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Game on! You have got to give credit to England for their patience. They didn't panic. England have obviously decided to feature off-loads, it's significant. You can now see they are trying to pass out of the tackle."

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Dancing feet in and out from Jonathan Joseph. When you have a player of that ability, you have to watch him and mark him and Wales let him get through there. A great finish after a period of sustained pressure from England."

Try

PA

Having hammered down the centre through the forwards, England spin it wide and the subtlety of Jonathan Joseph secures the crucial final five metres.

The in-form Bath centre stands up Dan Biggar with a lovely shift of feet and slides out of Rhys Webb and George North's grasp as he dummies the overhead basketball pass.

Think Matt Dawson in the first Lions Test of 1997 if your memory stretches that far...

George Ford makes good on the conversion.

Up to within five metres.

James Haskell rumbles around the fringes and Wales are starting to look ragged...

But England are not done.

They have started the second half in bullish mood and are up to the 22-metre line once again.

Jonny May darts. And is just about hauled down...

George North claims George Ford's kick, but England snaffle possession and the try line is within sniffing distance as Billy Vunipola knocks on.

Decent chance gone.

Right, down to business. The teams are out and George Ford hits a hanging drop-out to the reverse side for his backs to chase as we get back going....

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"Most games are won in the last 10 minutes so the replacements will play a big part for England.

"Both sides will make four changes, you'd expect, so these are key things. Fresh legs could be crucial."

England 2003 World Cup winner Will Greenwood: England are chipping away at Wales, and we are set for an incredible second half.

The pick of the first-half stats?

England have coughed up nine turnovers, while Wales have guarded possession more carefully - losing the ball on only four occasions.

Elsewhere England's runners have managed to pick holes. Wales have missed nine tackles compared to only five by England.

Get involved text 81111

Andrew in Richhill: Dan Biggar has had a huge first half. He's been brilliant kicking out of hand, very good tactically and defensively too. And what about that drop goal!

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"The England try came from winning a penalty at the scrum. It was great vision from Mike Brown, some things just aren't coachable and the kick through was brilliant.

"I have to say Anthony Watson has been the best player on the park."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Wales took their opportunities but England are back into it. It has been a very, very good game.

"Nobody is a controlling influence. The power of the England scrum is a worry for Wales."

Still brewing up when Rhys Webb crossed to crown Wales' blitz start?

Miss, as I did, Luther Burrell's delicate bit of boot for Anthony Watson's try?

Good news. Both the first-half tries are available for you to watch at the top of this page. Just click on the highlights tab and they are all yours...

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Wales have been ruthless, when they get within 30 metres of the England line, they're scoring points. That little build towards victory is probably going to be key."

Half-time score summary

BBC

Robert Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Wales probably just about deserve the half time lead, but England have certainly asked questions of them. They've looked sharp and certainly shown their strengths coming forward, but Wales have just put points on the board."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"That's an ideal way to end the half for Wales. The score is a fair reflection because they have been more exact and more precise. Having said that, England with all the changes they have had, have been reasonably comfortable, but they need more."

Half-time

Drop-goal

PA

Canny from Wales and Dan Biggar who decides that rather than risk infringing or losing out to the clock, he will take a snap-shot at goal.

He positions himself snug in the pocket and hits it high, hanging and true to extend the Wales advantage past the converted score mark.

Superb play from Dan Biggar who claims his own kick as he runs back at the England defence. Spun wide, George North charges into contact out wide, up to the England 22....

PA

Plenty to unpick in the front row as ever. England look like they have Wales in a spot of bother at scrum time, but the referee rules that the men in white have put the wheel on deliberately.

George North has been given the once-over and received the OK. The Wales wing retakes his place in the action and Liam Williams trots off.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"I can't believe my eyes. That's a huge let-off for England."

Missed penalty

AFP

Leigh Halfpenny misses a relatively simple kick and there is a moment of stunned silence as the crowd watch the line-judges' keep their flags firmly by their sides.

Robert Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Wales seem to be getting the penalties when they matter. When they put themselves in to decent territorial position, England are conceding and Halfpenny is putting away the penalties."

England's breakdown work is getting lost in translation to French referee Jerome Garces.

Dan Cole is picked up again by the official for failing to get out of the way swiftly enough. Another penalty and it is very presentable for Leigh Halfpenny.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"England have had plenty of possession, but Wales have been clinical. Whenever they've got in to England's territory, they've come away with points."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"George North... very brave. With the concussion protocol as it is, I expect George to have at least a proper examination. It's far too important to mess around, however big the game."

Penalty

AFP

Bread and butter for the Bath fly-half.

Ford clips over a routine shot at goal.

Before England can take that kick though, Wales are forced into a change.

George North takes a whack in the chops from David Attwood's boot. He is not the most delicate with his footwork, but it looked like a genuine attempt to kick the ball.

Liam Williams is on in place of North.

Jamie Roberts gets over-eager in defence - putting in a shuddering hit on Jonny May a good half-second before the ball arrives.

That is a penalty for England up on the 22 metre and George Ford will surely have a little pot-shot.

AFP

"Coley, big!" is the shout from somewhere in the England engine room as Ben Youngs prepares to put into a scrum for the first time.

There is some jiggery-pokery over that side of the set-piece and the referee rules against Gethin Jenkins rather than Cole.

George Ford pumps the kick up towards Wales' 22. A chance for England to build something now...

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"If England haven't learned then they must do now. Chris Robshaw should be going round telling the players not to give away any penalties in their own half."

Penalty

AFP

Sweet as a nut, straight as an arrow.

Another 100% proof ball strike from Leigh Halfpenny as he splits the sticks to push Wales a little further clear.

Dan Cole ruins all that hard defensive graft as he dips his hand into the ruck and is pinged by the referee.

The England prop could not resist a little nibble and this is Leigh Halfpenny territory - just off the 10-metre line.

The England defensive line is proving pretty durable. George Ford chops down Sam Warburton up near halfway, before Joe Marler makes a big hit that verged on a tip-tackle.

Wales are not making much headway at the moment.

Robert Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Dan Biggar works his socks off defensively. It's not just about his tackling, he chases everything, puts his body on the line and it's great commitment."

It has been a barnstormer so far.

Wales now get on the front foot as Taulupe Faletau pockets England wing Anthony Watson's attempted pass as the Welsh number eight lazily trots back.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"It all came from a little bit of momentum for England, a couple of good breaks and then a bounce pass before it then fell to Mike Brown out wide, a little grubber and Anthony Watson made a great chase to finish it off."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

Reuters

"I wondered with all the pyrotechnics before the start whether the game would live up to it. But it's been great to watch so far."

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"It looked a try to me. It's a brilliant piece of skill by Luther Burrell."

Try

AFP

At least the video review allowed me to give credit to Luther Burrell. It was the centre, not Mike Brown, who put in the slithering little kick behind the Wales defence for Anthony Watson to pounce.

No doubt that it was a kosher score. The video official has no objections and, despite George Ford's conversion bouncing wide off the post, the Welsh momentum seems to have been stemmed.

Try review

AFP

Anthony Watson scoops up Mike Brown's grubber and dots down. Surely that is a try? Jerome Garces goes upstairs just to be sure...

Dylan Hartley has fired his three line-out darts so far at Chris Robshaw and he finds his captain again to set up good ball on the Wales 22.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

Reuters

"It's very important England don't feel they have to chase the game while pinned down. For all England's endeavour, the Welsh defence is very assured."

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"I'll tell you now Gethin Jenkins's head is the last thing you want to clash with. His nickname is melon. Rhys Webb has started from where he finished in the autumn."

Lordy.

The Welsh physio has a job trying to identify the source of Dan Biggar's injury. The Wales fly-half is spilling claret over his forehead, nose and mouth after clashing heads with team-mate Gethin Jenkins.

The medical man goes for the belt-and-braces approach, wrapping up Biggar's forehead in a bandage, swabbing his mouth with petroleum jelly and stuffing his nose with cotton wool.

He is good to continue. For now anyway. Rhys Preistland stands down on the sidelines.

Former England captain Will Carling: Mmmmmm, not ideal!!!

Robert Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Fantastic work by Toby Faletau. They got a good push on England, but you can't just rely on that. It's great work by Faletau under pressure, but he did everything right to get the ball away to Rhys Webb."

Try

AFP

England had the Welsh front row heading back at a rates of knots, but Taulupe Faletau turns a backpedalling set-piece into five points.

The Wales number eight reaches deep into the second rows' feet, extracts the ball, shrugs off the attentions of James Haskell and pops Rhys Webb in at the corner.

Leigh Halfpenny is laser-guided from out near the whitewash with the conversion.

England under the cosh as Wales play it very clever.

Dan Biggar chipped wide to Leigh Halfpenny out on the right wing and the full-back booted forward himself to signal the start of a chase from the charging Alex Cuthbert.

Anthony Watson clears up five metres from the England line, but George Kruis knocks on and it is scrum Wales...

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"The tactics from England at the halfway line are nothing more than line-up, get George Ford to boot the ball up and under and hope for a mistake. It's not going to happen with Leigh Halfpenny on duty tonight."

Leigh Halfpenny passes his first aerial test - claiming a snowy up and under. Wales fluff a sniff of an overlap as Jamie Roberts pass drifts behind Jonathan Davies though. George North was lurking outside as well...

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"A perfect start for Wales - not the start England wanted. What is particularly disappointing for Stuart Lancaster is that there was no danger, no reason to try and take an extra second on the ball."

Robert Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"He's incredible, Leigh Halfpenny I think surpasses Neil Jenkins in terms of consistency in his kicking and he's worked so hard at making that his main profession."

Penalty

AP

Leigh Halfpenny's line is plum central. The only question is has it got the legs? It has!

First blood Wales with less than two minutes on the clock.

Dan Biggar's kick-off just about sneaks over the 10-metre line and is claimed by a towering Taulupe Faletau. Play switches across field and Jonny May gives away an early penalty as he fails to roll away.

It is on the angle and on the 10-metre line, but Leigh Halfpenny is going to have a pop...

I only know a distinctly unofficial version of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau - but it is impossible not to be moved by that rendition.

Massive volume, up to the brim with emotion. Jamie Roberts squeezes his team-mates shoulders and heads off for Dan Biggar's kick-off...

PA

God Save the Queen is introduced to a smattering of jeers. England players and fans belt it out, and brace themselves for the Welsh response...

Sam Warburton dutifully leads his men down to pitchside. But he has to wait for a hundred strong string section to finish their overture, the MC to deplete his stockpile of superlatives and several thousand pounds of pyro to burst into the night sky before seting stud on turf.

@rhillrugby

Former England flanker Richard Hill: Atmosphere just changed.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"This might be mind games, but Chris Robshaw looks like he's holding off walking out, and saying he's not going out on the pitch until Wales are ready."

We have a stand-off.

Chris Robshaw stands firm, refusing to set off for the pitch until the Welsh team are also out of their lair and ready.

Finally he is convinced to head out but only after referee Jerome Garces assures him that if the Welsh don't follow inside a minute, he has licence to head back to the dressing room.

Oh, the drama.

Chris Robshaw emerges for the away team dressing room and into the tunnel.

The dry ice that has pumped out on the pitch is down in the corridor...

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Anything the NFL can do, the Millennium Stadium can do as well. What a tremendous atmosphere."

Get involved text 81111

Duncan in Isleworth: Brian Moore has his grumpy face on...in other words we're all set!

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"This build-up inside the stadium with the flashing lights and music is the closest that Ian Robertson has ever been to a nightclub!"

Back to matters in Cardiff.

The Millennium Stadium MC has killed the house lights and fired up the lasers. Shafts of lights raking high into the stands, dance music pumping and then... silence.

The crowd take their cue. You can almost hear the chomping of bits in the rumble of expectation that goes round.

The teams are almost here...

Your vote is in.

A brave minority going for Italy to win the Six Nations this year. England take the honours by a hefty margin.

Vote results:

England 38%

Ireland 28%

Wales 22%

Scotland 6%

France 4%

Italy 2%

Get involved text 81111

Mark in Berkshire: Re: the roof - Warren Gatland should really listen to himself. He sounds like a child who's had their lolly taken away. Ahhh Didums.

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"I'm really excited about George Ford playing at 10 for England. I hope he doesn't kick it away all night, I hope he plays with the ball in hand because if he does we could be in for a great game of rugby."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Dan Biggar is the boss on the park for Wales, without a shadow of a doubt. The half-backs are not too experienced at this level but they have played a lot together.

"For England how will George Ford cope defensively? He is up against men who are four and five stones heavier than him and they will run at him. It is a massive game for him."

England coach Stuart Lancaster to BBC Sport: Friday night in Cardiff...it doesn't get any bigger. We've got to get our kicking game right and manage the game well. Our set-pieces have to be good, our defence has to excellent and we have to pull the trigger in attack. We've got some young lads here for the first time, but I'm excited about the team."

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"If you can't play rugby here, you can't play it anywhere. It's one of the greatest stadiums in the world."

Getty Images

Before the 2003 World Cup, Springbok coach Rudolph Straeuli took his players to a remote police camp were they were ordered to strip naked and forced into freezing water while the All Black haka and God Save the Queen blared out over loudspeakers.

Stuart Lancaster did not quite turn Pennyhill Park into "Kamp Staaldraad" over the past week, but he did have Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau pumped into their indoor training base in a bid to replicate the deafening atmosphere that awaits his men.

I'm not sure how far they tweaked the volume knob back in Surrey, but the atmosphere is bubbling in Cardiff. The hookers are going to need a loudhailer to get the lineout calls to the lads at the back of the queue

@danroan

BBC sports editor Dan Roan: Present and correct. Wales prepare for kick off.

Robert Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"There's been a lot of kidology going on before this game and it's just to get the upper hand and find the smallest of things that will help your team get the result.

"If it helps in the lead-up by putting pressure on the referee and the coaches, it's all worth it."

Mind games

Getty Images

Jerome Garces is the man with the whistle this evening.

The Frenchman was given a subtle little nudge by Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards in the pre-match press conference.

Edwards said that he wanted the officials to keep a close eye on England's use of decoy runners in front of the ball-carrier.

Seeds sown. Let's see if they sprout into some favourable midfield calls.

England line-out

BBC

England's line-out stats were impressive in 2014, and Dylan Hartley boasted the most successful throws (100 out of 106) in 2014, as well as the best success rate of any hooker to throw at least 10 successful throws.

He is a disciplinary powder keg though. I'm sure the Welsh front row will be whispering some sweet nothings at the first scrum to see if they can rile him up.

Get involved text 81111

Jenni in Newtownards: Tonight's game is not just important for this year's Six Nations, but also for the World Cup. The winner will earn a massive psychological boost ahead of next September's RWC pool match.

Andrew in Richhill: Other than the world-class rugby on show, the best part of the Six Nations Championship is the national anthems. The whole tournament just screams passion and pride.

Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"These types of games are always won and lost in the front rows and it's an area where you don't see a lot on the face of it.

"The game really stems from that because if you get any kind of momentum in the scrum and get the ball out to your backs quickly, it shows the referee you are more likely to be positive."

Getty Images

Jonathan Davies, a man who played his rugby on the front foot, believes that England can trouble Wales if they play with a spirit of adventure.

"Fly-half George Ford has been playing exceptionally well this season, as has Jonathan Joseph. On the wings, they have Jonny May and Anthony Watson who are also playing great rugby," he told BBC Sport.

Will Stuart Lancaster give the speedsters licence to run though? The mood music after the autumn internationals has been about "structure" and "discipline". Which doesn't sound promising.

Wales coach Warren Gatland to BBC Sport: "The roof closed creates a fantastic atmosphere here but those are the rules. I just find it a bit frustrating in that it's our stadium and we get dictated to by the opposition."

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"Wales wanted the roof shut but they've ended up with a beautiful evening. England are about to find out that shut or not, the atmosphere here will be amazing.

"Wales have everything to lose. If they lose tonight it will be a tough year for them. England can cause an upset."

Getty Images

I imagine having a retractable roof on a stadium is a bit like having one on a car.

Just as you see posers pulling back the convertible soft-top at the first hint of spring sunshine, so Warren Gatland loves the novelty of rolling the Millennium Stadium lid across.

The Wales coach wanted to close the roof for tonight's match - just as it was in their record win of 2013.

But both coaches need to agree.

England's Stuart Lancaster cast his mind back a couple of years, considered Gatland's request for all of three milliseconds and said "thanks, but no thanks". We will play in the open air.

Good luck, daddy

@dmjattwood

England lock Dave Attwood: Most important good luck message of all.

Get involved text 81111

Gareth in Harpenden: Everything depends on how George Kruis and Dave Attwood go. If they can get one over Wyn Jones and Jake Ball then England can put George Ford in an armchair and his tactical kicking will leave the powerful Welsh backs powerless as they have to keep tracking back and defending all match. Fingers crossed!

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at the Millennium Stadium

PA

"The mood on the streets of Cardiff is bullish, but not entirely confident. One Welshman loudly proclaiming that England will win by six, and he is shouted down by none of his companions. Unlike the bloke offering face-painting at £10 a pop, who is attracting angry derision from all-comers."

Listen live

BBC Radio 5 live

If you can't get to a television screen this evening, tune in to full match commentary on right now.

Mark Chapman is presenting all the build-up live from the Millennium Stadium and is joined pitchside by Rob Jones, Matt Dawson, Alastair Eykyn and Ian Robertson.

Tune in to 909 or 693 MW, on your mobile or tablet via the BBC Sport app or by clicking the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page.

Team news

And now for England.

Prop Dan Cole is thrown straight back into the front-row mix after a lengthy spell out injured. The prospect of Danny Cipriani being ushered on to try and break a tight game is an intriguing one.

England: 15-Mike Brown, 14-Anthony Watson, 13-Jonathan Joseph, 12-Luther Burrell, 11-Jonny May, 10-George Ford, 9-Ben Youngs-; 1-Joe Marler, 2-Dylan Hartley, 3-Dan Cole, 4-Dave Attwood, 5-George Kruis, 6-James Haskell, 7-Chris Robshaw (captain), 8-Billy Vunipola

Replacements: 16-Tom Youngs, 17-Mako Vunipola, 18-Kieran Brookes, 19-Tom Croft, 20-Nick Easter, 21-Richard Wigglesworth, 22-Danny Cipriani, 23-Billy Twelvetrees

Team news

Just a little reminder of how we line up this evening.

First up Wales.

The big news is that the big man - George North - is back on the wing as part of a tried and trusted back three that is completed by Leigh Halfpenny and Alex Cuthbert. Richard Hibbard's blond locks will be straggling down the back of the number two shirt.

Wales: 15-Leigh Halfpenny, 14-Alex Cuthbert, 13-Jonathan Davies, 12-Jamie Roberts, 11-George North, 10-Dan Biggar, 9-Rhys Webb; 1-Gethin Jenkins, 2-Richard Hibbard, 3-Sampson Lee, 4-Jake Ball, 5-Alun-Wyn Jones, 6-Dan Lydiate, 7-Sam Warburton, 8-Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: 16-Scott Baldwin, 17-Paul James, 18-Aaron Jarvis, 19-Luke Charteris, 20-Justin Tipuric, 21-Mike Phillips, 22-Rhys Priestland, 23-Liam Williams.

Other

When does Stuart Lancaster cut his losses and keep faith with one centre partnership, rather than the constantly shifting pairings England have been fielding since the days of Greenwood and Tindall?

Is it time to start planning for World Cup life without Manu Tuilagi?

How long does he keep a chink of an opportunity open for Sam Burgess?

In-form Jonathan Joseph and Luther Burrell are the latest men through the midfield revolving door...

Former Wales international Dafydd James: I can't wait! Massive match this evening at the Millennium Stadium for Wales v England. They don't get bigger than this.

Wales to kick-off

@Englandrugby

England Rugby: Sam Warburton won the toss against Chris Robshaw. The hosts will kick-off. Immense respect between these captains.

Tunnel vision

@alastair eykyn

BBC Radio 5 live commentator Alastair Eykyn: Tunnel vision, Millennium style.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC Two

"I don't think tonight's result will have any bearing on what happens when the teams meet again in a few months time at the World Cup. Not unless someone runs away with it. If Wales lose then it will be a big ask for them to go to Twickenham later in the year and win."

England, Wales and Australia have been thrown together in Pool A for the World Cup later this year. Only two teams can progress to the knockout stages. Ugliness guaranteed.

Wales v England head-to-head

BBC

Since England won the two sides' first meeting at Blackheath in 1881, there have been 124 subsequent encounters. And there is just the slimmest difference in the historic head-to-head.

England women's Six Nations captain Tamara Taylor: Come on England boys! I'm rushing to get to Wales so I can cheer you on from the hotel.

England women launch their 2015 Six Nations campaign against Wales at Swansea on Sunday.

BBC Two's coverage has just cranked into life with an opening sequence that is apparently a take on the Games of Thrones credits.

I have never seen it, but there was less nudity, bloodshed and CGI dragons than I expected...

Click on the play button at the top of this page to get plugged in.

Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at the Millennium Stadium

Getty Images

"Clear blue day turning to chill night in Cardiff, but enough old spice in this fixture to sizzle the coldest of cockles. The city has been getting busier and busier all afternoon, the pubs on St Mary and Westgate Streets spilling punters out onto the pavements and the roads around the Millennium Stadium now closed to traffic. And this is only the warm-up."

Look who's here...

@BBCScrumV

BBC Scrum V: The England team bus pulls up in the depths of the stadium. The players looking calm and collected.

The Scrum V team have also produced a little Vine of the Wales boys arriving. I never had Gethin Jenkins down as a jumbo earphone man. Maybe the lugholes are getting a little cauliflowery and he needs the cushioning.

Get involved

BBC

While Sam Warburton, Chris Robshaw and their teams sort out rugby supremacy, it is up to you to play England-Wales top trumps in other areas of life.

For example, Sir Tom Jones clearly beats Cliff Richard in the ageing knighted crooner stakes.

But, for me, Eccles cakes and Parkin both trump Welsh cakes when it comes to baked goods.

Tell us where your nation is winning off the field on #friendlyrivalry on Twitter.

For more on-topic, on-field matters #bbc6nations is your hashtag.

The BBC Sport Facebook page and Google+ watsit are also open for business, and you can text us on 81111.

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"2012 was Olympic year, 2015 is World Cup year. I think Wales versus England is the biggest opening game I can recall for a Six Nations tournament. Wales come in as strong favourites but the pressure is on them. If they lose this game then they'll have a tough 2015. If England come and play, and take it to the Welsh, there could be an upset."

Vote

It is as simple question, but it there is no simple answer.

Who will win the 2015 Six Nations?

Weigh up the possibilities and pin your colours to the mast.

Our vote is up and running in the voting section of this page.

It closes at 19:45 GMT and the result will be announced on this page and on BBC1. Terms and conditions can be read here.

Get clicking.

PA

BBC Coverage

@clivewoodward

England 2003 World Cup winning coach Sir Clive Woodward: Roof open - biggest opening game ever Six Nations starts @BBCTwo at 7pm @BBCSport @EnglandRugby - England to win by three.

As Clive mentions, build-up from the Millennium Stadium starts on BBC Two at 19:00 GMT before switching to BBC One at 19:30 GMT. Or just click on the 'Live coverage' tab above.

BBC Coverage

Getty Images

If you live within a 10-mile radius of the Millennium Stadium and keep a window open, you will probably be able to hear 70-odd thousand Welshmen and women tell you if their team score.

For the rest of us the only place to be is on the BBC.

The build-up begins on BBC Two at 19:00 GMT, before we de-camp to BBC One at 19;30 GMT. Shane Williams, Martyn Williams, Lewis Moody, Sir Clive Woodward, Jeremy Guscott and Jonathan Davies will be among those firing their thoughts into the mix.

Meanwhile BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Radio Wales will be filling the digital airwaves with the blood and thunder from Cardiff.

You can get stuck into all of that via the links at the top of this page.

2015

WelshRugbyUnion

"There cannot ever, ever, ever have been a bigger opening game in the Six Nations than this."

Not my words. Those of World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward.

The winner of today's game will jump-start their campaign into life. The loser may never make up the ground.

The teams are Millennium Stadium-bound.

2014

Getty Images

Skip forward a year and a Wales team boasting 12 British and Irish Lions arrived at Twickenham as favourites against a promising, but raw, England.

Reputations and records were shredded as Stuart Lancaster's men capitalised on the visitors' errors and ran out 29-18 winners.

2013

Getty Images

The last time England travelled to the Millennium Stadium they were high on hopes of a first Grand Slam in a decade.

They were to be badly disappointed.

Wales did not just win, they marmalised England. Warren Gatland's side romped to a record 30-3 win in front of a crowd that started loud and cranked the volume ever higher.

The first match of the 2015 Six Nations and they don't really come any bigger.

Wales v England is a bruising monster of a match, swelled by centuries of rivalry and spiced with the memories of the teams' two most recent meetings.

Kick off is a little over 90 minutes away. Revenge and the righting of wrongs will be the talk in both dressing rooms.

Getty Images

Even road tolls are worth arguing over when it comes to Wales and England.

While it is free to cross to England on the Severn Bridge, it costs a whopping £6.50 to travel in the opposite direction over to Wales.

For the Welsh argue it is conclusive proof that West is best.

The English counter that it is an act of charity to those escaping their homeland for a better life on their side of the estuary.

Imagine how it gets when it comes to rugby....