Six Nations: How Ireland & France won

1. France 15-8 Scotland FT - catch up in 'Live Coverage' tab
2. Five Lopez pens for France; Fife try, Laidlaw pen for Scots
3. Beattie sin-binned for Scotland
4. Italy 3-26 Ireland FT - catch up in 'Live Coverage' tab
5. Conor Murray, Tommy O'Donnell tries for Ireland

And the winner is...

BBC

Before we bring the curtain down on this opening Six Nations weekend, we'll end with a drum roll and a grand announcement. [Dramatic pause]. Because James Haskell has been voted as your Six Nations player of the weekend. Well done, James, a Blankety Blank chequebook and pen is in the post.

The first weekend of many is over and has left us wanting more. Injury-hit England opened with a deserved victory, which would have surprised many, favourites Ireland coughed and spluttered in their win over Italy, while the French used their power and brawn to beat the promising Scots.

And, perhaps best of all, new heroes have emerged: Finn Russell, Jonathan Joseph, Camille Lopez, Tommy O'Donnell inspiring and setting hearts racing.

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Abbie MacEachin: Awesome game from Scotland, shame France held on to it! @finn_russell is my new hero!

Nathan Parry: Good effort Scotland! Unfortunately too many silly mistakes for me. Some great rugby today though

Carwyn Price: What a brilliant game, so entertaining, both played some nice rugby

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Louis Peteranna: Great to watch, just unlucky not to win. There's a lot of good points to take into the next game against Wales

Sebastian Morrison: Another passionate, gutsy defeat for Scotland in Paris. When will they turn these close losses into close wins?

Iain McLaren: Year ago I'd have been happy with score, now I'm disappointed. Shows how far we've come and how far still have to go.

BBC Sport

The Red Button coverage is over, but the rugby isn't. England and Wales' under-20s are about to kick off, which is a match you can watch on the Welsh channel S4C.England Rugby tweet: The calm before the storm in the U20s changing room. Can they follow in the footsteps of the Senior side?

Gregor Townsend

Former Scotland international on BBC Red Button

"There was a lot of discussion about Wales' training methods, they have done a lot of fitness work and it has been done to make sure they last the tournament. So we will see them stay strong throughout the tournament, but the big thing is confidence and we'll see next week how that has been affected by Friday's defeat by England."

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Red Button

On George North: "Hibbard comes in and you see the collision. It's a surprise for the Welsh management not to have seen that, when it was there for everyone to see, and I think there will be serious questions asked."

Former Scotland scrum-half Chris Cusiter on Twitter: "Disappointing finish. Probably too many errors in the second half when they had so little field position. Lots of positives though."

Red Button coverage

Gabby Logan and co have turned their attention to Friday night's showdown between Wales and England, and specifically the management of wing George North after the winger suffered heavy head blows in each half of the 21-16 defeat.

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JavelBleach ‏Thought #Wales & #England both looked the most accomplished of the 6. We'll see better next round.

Oliver Milne: We threw away a lot of chances. But some progress. Wales should be interesting.

Nathan Parry: Good effort Scotland! Unfortunately too many silly mistakes for me. Some great rugby today though #bbc6nations

Vote

This is your one-minute warning because the vote for the Six Nations player of the weekend is about to come to a close. Will George Ford get your vote? Or James Haskell? Sutart Hogg? Jonathan Joseph? Tommy O'Donnell? Chris Robshaw? Finn Russell?

The result will be announced here, but small-print fans can get into the nitty-gritty of how the vote works over on our terms and conditions page.

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on BBC Red Button

AFP

"Finn Russell is a comfortable ball player but the thing we have not talked about is his bravery. He is incredibly brave with the ball and that is going to be very important next week when Scotland take on Wales."

Thomas Castaignede

Former France international on BBC Red Button

On Finn Russell: "I really like the way he plays, he gets the ball in strange positions but every time he manages to create some gaps and he can get his head up and kick the ball. He is very clever and for a young player he is doing really well."

Finn Russell makes an impression

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC Red Button

Getty Images

"I really liked Finn Russell's ambition and attitude tonight. He was willing to take things on and have a crack at anything. And even when he missed that drop goal - and it was a bad miss - he immediately put it behind him and didn't get cowed by it."

Our friends at Opta tell us that France have never before failed to score a try in their 15 Six Nations matches against Scotland. Something to chew on on Saturday night. Or maybe not.

Coach reaction

Scotland coach Vern Cotter speaking to BBC Sport: "There were some really good things that went on out there, but we are obviously disappointed. We created opportunities and took the initiative and varied our play well. Our defence was good but we perhaps turned the ball over too much and that cost us.

"The guys worked very hard and we will look at how we can turn that hard work into more points.

"We have a big game against Wales next weekend but we will analyse this one and then move on."

Not a word is being said in the Scotland dressing room. The players exhausted and perhaps thinking about the fine margins and the bounce of the ball. What if Tim Visser had intercepted? What if the ball had bounced kindly for Finn Russell?

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Abbie Mac Eachin: Awesome game from Scotland, shame France held on to it! @finn_russell is my new hero!

Clive Marshall: ‏Scotland unlucky today they showed a lot of fight plus great coverage all round by the #bbc6nations

StuartTogneri: What if. On another day Visser intercepts, or the ball bounces into Russells arms. That was how close the margin was. Bad luck.

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on BBC Red Button

"Scotland can be hugely proud of the performance. I think that they looked more dangerous than France, despite having less of the ball which sounds like a strange thing to say, but is true."

Thomas Castaignede

Former France international on BBC Red Button

Reuters

"France have got some players who can really go through the defence but we need to speed up the team. France is playing strongly with power but we need to be more creative."

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on Red Button

"Scotland can be hugely proud of the performance. I think that they looked more dangerous than France despite having less of the ball which sounds like a strange thing to say, but is true."

Former England hooker Brian Moore: Scotland brave but over-powered by the French.

Red Button coverage

If you thought the evening was over, you were wrong because Gabby Logan, Gregor Townsend and Thomas Castaignede are continuing to chat about the match on the Red Button, which you can watch by clicking this or that on the top of this page.

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Dave Somerville: Scotland will be hurting after that narrow and undeserved loss - look out Wales next week..

Adam Martin: Must be one of the most entertaining games of rugby for a while! Excellent defence and exciting attack from Scotland.

Dom Bumpstead: So so close for Scotland although well deserved by France great game.

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Jean Jacques Ellis: Castaignede is spot on, if France play like that against Wales, England et al they will get written off!

Gregor Townsend

Former Scotland international on BBC One

AFP

"Scotland defended very well throughout the 80 minutes, especially when they were down to 14 men. But they probably spent too much time on the back foot and did not get enough chances to test the France defence.

"I though Finn Russell, Mark Bennett and Alex Dunbar defended really well, particularly in the second half when the French were bringing on guys of 24 stone."

Former Wales flanker Martyn Williams: One of the best one-try games I've watched. Scotland look good, Murrayfield next Sunday will be very interesting.....

Thomas Castaignede

Former France international on BBC One

"I am really concerned because that was not good enough. Our creativity was not there. We have some powerful players, but there was not enough support runners around the attack. If we play like that against England or Ireland we will get smashed."

Player reaction

Scotland's Finn Russell, speaking to BBC One: "We are all disappointed not to get the win, we had chances but we didn't take them. It was a good try to score, just before the break and if we could have come out and backed it up we could have won but we made too many mistakes. It was a real battle out there."

Coach reaction

France coach Philippe Saint Andre speaking to BBC Sport: "We won so we need to accept that. Scotland played very well, it is a win but we will have to do a bit better than we did tonight.

"We spent a lot of time in the Scottish half but we did not show enough variation in our play and Scotland played with a lot of spirit. They are a good team. They have good footballers and a great coach so I think the future is bright for them."

BBC

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"It has been a really gutsy performance from Scotland. They have shown ambition with the ball in hand and their defence has been excellent, but they start with a loss again in the Six Nations.

"There is a lot to take from this individually and as a team - not least shutting out the French side, preventing them scoring a try at the Stade de France."

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"Disappointed though I am with Scotland conceding that late penalty, France had all the possession in the second half. Scotland have come up short tonight but I think they can go onto next weekend's match with Wales with their heads held high."

Neither team were able cross the whitewash after the break, but it was entertaining nonetheless. Scotland were rocked at times by the French power, but they remained rock solid. Camille Lopez's 100% record with the boot the difference.

Full-time

Getty Images

Scotland's wait for a victory in the Paris cauldron continues, but it was close.

Seconds to go, France with the line-out...

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Peter Hardy: The only game with fireworks this weekend was Wales v England ...the rest have been a bit boring

The crowd supporting the trumpeters with a rendition of La Marseillaise. The spectators providing their team with the sort of atmosphere which might help them creep over the line.

Penalty - Camille Lopez

Momentum swinging one way, then the other. Scotland penalised at the breakdown and it's in a kickable spot. Camille Lopez removes his mouth guard and is as reliable as ever.

BBC

Gregor Townsend

Former Scotland international on BBC One

"This is the first time that Scotland have been in the France half for a long time and what a time to do it with four minutes left. Scotland have had more dynamism and athleticism and I believe that they can do it."

Nigel Owens' whistle blows in Scotland's favour which means the Scots visit opposition territory for the first time in what seems like an age.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"It seems France have run out of ideas here. They seem happy now just to hang on and win by four points, but that is a dangerous game to play because we all know how quickly things can change."

Listen to full commentary under the live coverage tab

AFP

Five minutes remaining. Four points in it. Finn Russell steals possession, the outside-half kicks high and chases... will he get there? He's sprinting, the ball bounces, and - oof- evades the outside-half.

France go forward again, but they've as yet been unable to inflict the mortal blow. Steely defending from the Scots.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"Tim Visser put everything on the line there as he went for that pass, but, with interceptions, it is all or nothing. If you don't make them you leave a huge hole and Yoann Huget very nearly capitalised."

Cripes. Where to begin? Tim Visser gambles like a high roller in a Las Vegas casino, attempting to intercept but failing. That gives Yoan Huget the chance to go pumping and snorting down the right wing. It looks like the flyer is going to cross the whitewash - but a super tackle from Mark Bennett helps dislodge the ball from the Frenchman.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

AFP

"Some of the Scotland defence has been outstanding - Alex Dunbar and Mark Bennett especially.

"They have been under the cosh for the last 10 minutes but it is still a four-point game as it stands."

Scotland's line-out is in full song once again. The visitors keeping possession, but it's all inside their own half. France think they've nicked the ball, but Nigel Owens signals otherwise, so the Scots can now regroup and prepare themselves for a stirring finale. Ten minutes to go.

A change in the Scotland line-up to tell you about as Ross Ford makes way for Fraser Brown in the front row. Alex Dunbar, who must have made a thousand tackles this evening, is receiving treatment but it doesn't seem too serious. Scotland with a line-out inside their own 22.

As a team, Scotland have so far actually made 109 tackles to France's 85. Adds a pedant.

Through-the-legs pass from Stuart Hogg which will be replayed throughout this championship I'm sure. But one moment you're a wizard and the next you're a muggle, as the full-back kicks out of play in the next phase of play. Five minutes remaining of Johnnie Beattie's sin bin.

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AFP

Stephanie Rutt: Come on Scotland. I need you to win for an opening weekend hat trick in the office sweep stake.

Kaylan Geekie: Not enough threat at the breakdown for #Scotland. Lack of a quality fetcher conspicuous by its absence.

Michael Nelson: Scotland will never get ahead in this game with this very questionable referee at the helm.

Scotland digging deep, delving into their seemingly infinite reserves of energy - but they will surely eventually cave in? They have a man in the sin-bin and have been on their heels for the last 10 minutes or so.

Vote

Something dramatic in Paris over the next 20 minutes could change your mind entirely, which is why you have until 19:15 GMT to cast your vote for the player of the opening weekend.

Your options are spelt out on the right-hand of this very page.

The result will be announced here, but small-print fans can get into the nitty-gritty of how the vote works over on our terms and conditions page.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"Brilliant play from Finn Russell! Is there anything this kid can't do? He has just stripped the ball from a hulking French forward. That was sheer strength."

Finn Russell is performing like a veteran with a century of international appearances to his name. The outside-half steals the ball in the tackle, giving his team much-welcomed respite.

Thomas Castaignede

Former France international on BBC One

AFP

"We started the second half quite well, kicking a bit higher to put pressure on the Scots, but every time they get the ball they're still dangerous.

"Every time we want continuity we are too slow in the rucks and mauls to give the backs the ball - we need to speed up the game."

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"I just feel that this game can still open up and it is still anyone's game. I wonder whether France could be left to rue that missed kick, only time will tell."

Listen to full commentary under the live coverage tab

Sin-bin - Jonny Beattie

Fresh legs in the second row for France as the towering Romain Taofifenua replaces Pascal Pape. The lock is quickly into the action, an unstoppable maul forms from the line-out, the Scottish defence have no answer. The ball pops out - but referee says Jonny Beattie tried to stop the maul illegally so off he goes for a 10-minute break.

The battering-ram turns creator as Mathieu Bastareaud sets Teddy Thomas free down the right with with a long pass. The left wing side steps, there's a glimpse of stardust - but the French momentum dies a death.

Missed penalty - Camille Lopez

Scotland have a scrum 5m from their own line, and they fold like eight deckchairs in the wind. Euan Murray, the scrummaging hero 10 minutes ago, is now the villain for falling onto his knees. Camille Lopez with another shot at the target, but his effort ricochets off the post and into Scottish hands.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's going to be close but Scotland are not going to win this game playing five metres in front of their own try-line."

Listen to full commentary under the live coverage tab

BBC

The French rumble forward. Can the Scottish defence hold firm? The decibels inside the stadium rise... the hosts 3m from the line... they're huffing and puffing... but Pascal Pape's handling lets his team down.

The Scottish line-out, usually their ace in the pack, is creaking like an old ship, presenting the French with easy possession. And the hosts are making substitutions, Morgan Parra and Uni Atonio enter the field.

It's always important to take in your surroundings when you're on the move, but that isn't Camille Lopez's mantra as the outside-half barges into a member of the French support staff while running back to position after his penalty. She comes away from the collision unscathed, though.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"It is still a tight encounter and it's really up to Scotland now to take the game to France. They have had the best of the play since the restart but Scotland need to put them under pressure."

Listen to full commentary under the live coverage tab

Penalty - Camille Lopez

Dougie Fife gathers the high ball but slips and slides out of play and the winger throws the ball away in frustration, which gifts Camille Lopez a chance to add to his points tally. Fife is punished for his petulance as the outside-half rattles off another penalty.

Silly mistakes from the Scots, losing line-out and then Stuart Hogg kicking the ball out on the full. The full-back raises his hand apologetically, but his team-mates won't thank him for losing 50m or so.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

EPA

"Scotland are playing with a lot of confidence, they seem to have complete control in defence and they just have to keep putting France under pressure."

Listen to full commentary under the live coverage tab

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"Scotland's defence is holding firm and they have counter-rucked very well. They have been very competitive at the breakdown and that is such a crucial part of any game.

"I think that the benches will come into play in such a physical game. I expect to see Geoff Cross, Jim Hamilton and Alasdair Strokosch all make an appearance for Scotland."

Scotland win a put-in at the scrum and, again, the players need resetting before Scotland earn a penalty with Rabah Slimani erring for the French. The Scots slap Euan Murray on the back, the prop getting the plaudits for that effort.

Iron discipline from Scotland as they soak up whatever comes their way. It needs two to stop Mathieu Bastareaud, but somehow Euan Murray and Richie Gray stop the behemoth centre, though their bones will be sore in the morning.

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AFP

Georgina Pettit: Oooo err Mrs! Didn't think it'd be this close at HT. Gotta love the passion evoked by the #RBS6Nations

Mike Colborne: Very entertaining first half in Paris.

Kaylan Geekie: Stuart Hogg is carving #France to pieces. Discipline & decision making needs to improve.

No sign of either team easing off the accelerator. Both continuing to attack with intent when they have possession. The French forwards rumble forward from the line-out, they've set up a honeyed platform for their backline - but Scotland steal the ball, and the hosts lose acres of ground.

Former England centre Will Greenwood on Twitter: Already excited about Mark Bennett v Jonathan Joseph in Calcutta Cup. Two outstanding outside centres.

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Stewart Milligan: Hogg is the one who can make the difference for Scotland. Every time he gets his hands on the ball he makes something happen.

Luke: Scotland are looking fantastic! Really progressing, Quality club players are finally taking their form to country!

Jonny Gray steals French line-out ball - it's an area where the French have been having problems in this match. But the visitors lose possession and the French can reboot from inside their own 22.

But the Welshman soon emerges, and gives Finn Russell the green light to get this second half under way.

There's no sign of referee Nigel Owens so there's a slight delay to the start of the second half...

The Scots make their way out from the changing room, looking like a sloth of bears who have just awoken from hibernation; hungry and irritated and wanting to cause havoc.

Ram Jam's Black Betty rings out from the sound system, but the atmosphere is more serene in the Scotland changing room, where the Scots have splintered into two groups. The forwards are getting their instructions, while at the other end the backs are plotting and scheming for the second half.

Thomas Castaignede

Former France international on BBC One

"We started the game well and we look good when we keep the ball in hand, but when we kick the ball back to the likes of Stuart Hogg, that makes things harder for us. Scotland are playing really well and finding holes in the France defence."

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"That was real composure from Scotland who so often get white-line fever. There they made all the right decisions. Even prop Euan Murray who found himself out there and made the offload to Dougie Fife to score."

BBC

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"What a fantastic riposte from Scotland, that was absolutely scintillating rugby from them to score the try and right on the stroke of half-time too. It is no more that Scotland deserve and if they can just cut out the mistakes then I would be very happy with the performance so far."

Listen to full commentary under the live coverage tab

Try - Dougie Fife (missed conv; Greig Laidlaw)

What a score! Stuart Hogg goes close, Alex Dunbar goes closer - but the Scots maintain their composure, spin it wide and replacement Dougie Fife crosses the line for a fabulous try, and his first in a Scotland shirt.

PA

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"I think Vern Cotter would still be quite happy with things so far. But Scotland just need to cut out the mistakes they have been making.

Listen to full commentary under the live coverage tab

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"Scotland's defence is really looking solid but the chances they are giving France are through their own indiscipline. Vern Cotter will be telling them at half-time to make sure they give themselves some space behind the back foot and don't get too over-eager."

Penalty - Camille Lopez

Scotland creep offside, which gives Camille Lopez the chance to extend his side's lead and the outside-half is as cool as a cucumber which has just come out of the freezer. Or something like that.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"You get the impression that Scotland have been working hard on their defence and they have had to be at their best as the French keep trying to maraud through. They are showing an awful lot of composure out there at the moment."

Listen to full commentary under the live coverage tab

Both teams are full of promise, plenty of derring-do, but lacking that cutting-egde and poise when the tryline beckons. Five minutes of the half remaining and the crowd roar in approval at every bone-crunching tackle.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"Finn Russell made a tremendous tackle in that period of play, going low on Mathieu Bastareaud. You have to when you are giving away a couple of stone because otherwise you will just be shrugged off."

It's time for France to go sashaying and charging into the opposition half. Camille Lopez is gang tackled, but attempts to pop a pass Yoann Huget but the galloping right wing cannot gather. That was close, and Scotland are off the hook.

Ah. Nothing to see. Scotland are thwarted by the toot of Nigel Owens' whistle and France are awarded a pressure-relieving kick into touch from their own 22. Off! This is a barnstorming encounter. Rory Kockott with the break down the right wing...

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Adam Martin: Great game of rugby so far!! Open, expansive and exciting from both teams! Love this competition!

End-to-end stuff at the moment in what has been a breathless opening 30 minutes, regardless of the scoreline. Fine bit of pick-pocketing by Alex Dunbar who nicks the ball and kicks it towards the left wing for Stuart Hogg to chase... Stand by!

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"Scotland will be very disappointed with that, and Finn Russell especially, because that drop-goal attempt was bang in front. I know they were struggling to make an impact on the France defence, but I think I would have run through another few phases.

"What was interesting in that passage of play was how Stuart Hogg came in at first receiver a number of times and always made it over the advantage line."

Finn Russell opts for the drop-goal, perhaps a touch too early for such things, and it lacks accuracy. After much promise, Scotland must pump and snort up field all again if they want to cross the line.

Getty Images

Dreamy side-step from Stuart Hogg and the full-back glides to within 5m of the tryline.. The Scots are sniffing the whitewash. Forward they rumble.. Richie Gray making inroads with the posts in sight...

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"Scotland are more than a match for France right now. If they just had the courage or conviction right now to push the ball out for a couple more passes then it might well be to their advantage."

Listen to full commentary under the live coverage tab

Missed Penalty

France fail to roll away which gives Stuart Hogg an opportunity to level the match from 51m, but he undercooks it.

Thomas Castaignede

Former France international on BBC One

AFP

"I think tactically France are playing really well. They have some good discipline as well. The kicking game needs work and France must keep an eye on Finn Russell because he is the danger in this Scotland side."

Nigel Owens blows his whistle again, accusing the Scots of infringing - but the touch judge interrupts, and tells the referee a Frenchman was offside so Finn Russell kicks the Scots into opposition territory. Time for the visitors to breathe.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"France are mixing it up and I am pretty impressed in the way they are playing today. They can sometimes be a bit negative but they are trying to spin it out wide and play."

Listen to full commentary under the live coverage tab

France threaten every time they attack and that must be a worry for the visitors. They're managing to stem the tide at the moment, however, and good work by the men in the boiler room, after a solid line-out, allows Greig Laidlaw to kick to touch from inside his own 22.

Replacement Scotland

An unexpected early finish for Tommy Symour, who has hurt his groin. Dougie Fife replaces the right wing.

Penalty - Camille Lopez

Nigel Owens blows his whistle, which means the hosts have a chance in front of the posts and it's an easy one for the outside-half.

Mathieu Bastareaud barges through the midfield with the finesse of a sledgehammer, but it's effective. The French rumbling forward, moving it from left to right and they're inching ever closer to the try line.

Penalty - Greig Laidlaw

The captain steps up and the ball sails between the posts. Even-stevens once again.

AFP

"There has to be space so why are you not giving it then?" says Nigel Owens to the Scottish front-row, like a tired parent telling off a toddler for not doing the simplest of tasks correctly. It could be a long afternoon for the referee. France not engaging properly and Scotland can aim at the posts.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"Fly-half Finn Russell is attacking the line, which is what we hoped he was going to do. He found himself opposite two second rows and found his way through. He likes to do that and France will now know that Scotland have an attacking threat at 10. That forces them to think and stops them fanning out wide quite as quickly in defence."

First scrum of the evening is awarded to France. It's messy stuff and referee Nigel Owens is calling for space. "It has to be shoulder-to-shoulder," pleads the Welshman. At the third time of asking, France put it in and get it out, but it isn't the sort of platform from which you can attack from so Les Rouges just boot it downfield.

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"Both sides you feel are sounding each other out at the moment. You just want to settle down and get some possession to see how the other side come out and that is where France are right now."

Scott Spedding into touch - quick line-out ball for Scotland and the Scottish backs are let loose in the middle of the park. Canny by the fresh-faced Finn Russell, a dummy which bamboozles the French defence. Greig Laidlaw to Johnnie Beattie, who coughs up the ball and the outside-half's good work comes to nothing.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"That was a dumb penalty for Richie Gray to give away. All France were going to do was kick into touch anyway and give possession back to Scotland. They have to avoid that sort of thing at this stage of the game."

Roars around the stadium as Scott Spedding goes on a bulldozing run, but it comes to nothing. France recycling ball, but Scotland are holding firm.

Wesley Fofana with a slight gap... Scott Spedding carries on the momentum, making the hard yards... Scotland, so far, absorbing wave after wave of red-shirted attacks on the half-way line.

A confident start by outside-half Camille Lopez, who is making his first Six Nations start. Scotland not bothered by falling behind, they simply work their way up-field and inside the French 22 - but foolish by Richie Gray, going in from the side, and Scott Spedding has a pressure-easing touch-finder.

Penalty - Camille Lopez

France win a penalty despite good work by Jonny Gray in the line-out as Blair Cowan is forced to hold on - and Camille Lopez boots it over, in off the post.

Allez les rouge? Yep, France are playing in red this evening, as you may or may have not heard. They've done it before, but it was during a sepia-tinged age. It might take some getting used to. Scotland gather, boot it to touch - but Scotland then disrupt the French line-out.

Toot! That's the sound of referee Nigel Owens getting the game started. We're off!

AFP

France, as you'd expect with 80,000-strong voices backing them, win the battle of the anthems and Tricolor flags are waved manically around the stadium. There's something in the air tonight, a promise of something magical.

The players make the long, tension-filled walk from the changing rooms to the pitch. There's intake of breaths, the calming of nerves... hearts are beating faster and faster... the decibels are rising inside the stadium... and what sounds like Carmina Burana (though probably isn't) rings around the Stade de France.

A promising year for the Scots

BBC Sport

Vern Cotter's Scotland are a confident outfit these days, beating Argentina in the autumn and pushing the All Blacks close. They also have strength in depth, which is not something you could have said a few years ago. It could be a cracker.

France happy at home

BBC Sport

If history tells us anything, it tells us the omens aren't good for Scotland this evening. Not only do France boast a 100% home record in their opening Six Nations matches - but Scotland have beaten Les Bleus only once in 14 opening-weekend matches. That's the worst kind of record. In fact, it's the worst record of its kind in the competition.

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Dennis Williams

Northampton Saints fan Dennis Williams: Stade de France party

Reuters

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre speaking to BBC Sport: "It is very important for French rugby to start this tournament well. We know that it will be a physical test against Scotland. It will be an emotional Marseillaise today after what happened in January in Paris, but the players need to focus on the game."

Gregor Townsend

Former Scotland international on BBC One

"Jonny Gray has the workrate, mindset and real rugby intelligence. He called the line-out in the autumn and had a success rate of more than 90%. He could be a mainstay for the side for years to come."

The picture of Jonny Gray

BBC Sport

The cameras focused on Jonny Gray as he was limbering up on a crisp Parisian evening and it's no wonder people are talking about the second-row because he's enjoyed a remarkable start to his international career, winning eight caps since his debut in November 2013 and - remarkably - missing just one tackle. Remarkable.

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Margaret Corbally: 2 away wins so far, can Scotland make it 3? Fingers crossed!

David Duncan: Can Scotland for once live up to the promise shown in the autumn test?? A country hopes so.

Brad Hobson: Scotland need to be disciplined early on as I think new French players may give cheap penalties if pressured.

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on BBC One

"We have to challenge the outside channels where the French leave space sometimes. If we are accurate we can have some success. A lot depends on what France do, but Scotland under Vern Cotter are an exciting side and I'm looking forward to it."

Team news

The teams are warming-up on the pitch, so it seems appropriate to tell you who they are:

France: Spedding, Huget, Bastareaud, Fofana, Thomas, Lopez, Kockott, Menini, Guirado, Slimani, Pape, Maestri, Le Roux, Dusautoir, Chouly.

Replacements: Kayser, Atonio, Ben Arous, Taofifenua, Goujon, Parra, Tales, Lamerat.

Scotland: Hogg, Seymour, Bennett, Dunbar, Visser, Russell, Laidlaw, Dickinson, Ford, Murray, R. Gray, J. Gray, Harley, Cowan, Beattie.

Replacements: F. Brown, Reid, Cross, Hamilton, Strokosch, Hidalgo-Clyne, Horne, Fife.

Survival of the warmest?

BBC

Gabby Logan prepared for this evening's match at the Stade de France as if she were planning on slaloming down some slopes. "Paris survival kit," the presenter tweeted, with pictures of fur-lined boots, a woolly hat and hand warmers. Fail to prepare, prepare to get frostbite, as they say.

Scotland coach Vern Cotter speaking to BBC Sport: "I think that the players will play with enthusiasm on this the occasion of the the first match of the Six Nations. There is a desire to carry the ball and try and put the French in difficulty.

"We are focussed on making sure we can vary our play. Scotland will win here again some day, whether it is today or not we will have to wait and see. But we are going to give it our best shot."

And the wait goes on

BBC Sport

The '90s - Oasis, combat pants, Noel's House Party... and two Scotland victories in the French capital, the last of which came in 1999 thanks to a little help from Gregor Townsend. Will there be more disappointment in the French capital for the Scots?

Getty Images

A lot has happened in the last 46 years. We've seen eight American presidents, nine British Prime Ministers; we've started tweeting, snap-chatting, Facebook(ing); lived through the first human face transplant - and the Boston Red Sox even won a World Series! But Scotland have managed just the two victories in Paris...

Plenty to work on for Ireland then.

But if you are going to throw in a shoddy Six Nations performance then best to do it against Italy...

Now we are going to switch sights to Paris, where Scotland are chasing an away win over France.

Something they last did back in the days when Keith Wood's barber was still deploying scissors. Aimee Lewis to take you through this one.

BBC

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"Those two tries put a gloss on what was a poor performance by Ireland so you'd expect change against France."

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Hannah Ruddell: Game wasn't great but the win is ours!! C'mon Ireland!!

Brad Griffiths: Good win for Ireland over the pure strength of Italy.

Ryan Evans: England look favourites at the moment. Terrible performance from Ireland .Will be interesting to see how France play tonight.

Getty Images

Ireland full-back Rob Kearney: "It was a slog. I don't know if it was that frustrating, any time you come to Rome that's what you're expecting. It was a bit of a shock for us losing Sean O'Brien right before kick-off, but we prepared really well so it didn't move us from our groove too much."

Carlo Del Fava

Former Italy lock on BBC One

"When Ghiraldini got sent off, that sent a terrible message through to the team. To be in defence, to make 204 tackles in a Test match, is going to be unsustainable. There's no way you can compete while defending for that long."

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"It's not the kind of performance Joe Schmidt would have wanted. He'll be pragmatic, take the score and move on. You wouldn't say that was the performance of championship favourites."

No great scenes of joy or despair at the final whistle.

Ireland know that was a well below-par performance and that they were flattered by the scoreline.

Italy can take heart from a stout performance against last year's champions.

It was not a match to get the turnstiles ticking for Italy's next home Six Nations clash though.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Ireland international Reggie Corrigan: "It's a typical visit to Rome, especially at this stage of the season. It's the beginning of the Championship and players haven't found a role or form yet, but we are winning so it is a case of job done and hopefully we can move on for the next game."

Listen to full match commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra

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Gareth in Harpenden, via text: I have no idea how Ireland have gone into a 23 point lead. Credit to Joe Schmidt- he has made the national team just like Leinster who could play dross rugby and still win matches in comfort. Regardless of last night's result you have to say Ireland have to be favourites for the championship if they can play this rubbish and still win convincingly.

Full-time

BBC

No try

No room for sentiment.

Italy may have worked hard enough to deserve a try, but the referee is not allowed to dish out sympathy scores.

Sergio Parisse's fingertips brushed the ball forward and the 'score' is chalked off.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"In my opinion, Sergio Parisse's hands just bushed the ball. It's a difficult one to call. Technically he has knocked it forward."

Try review

Do Italy have a consolation?

It is a lovely little score if so. A flowing team move, but Sergio Parisse might have knocked on as he attempted to gather a chip ahead. Kelly Haimona dotted down regardless.

Tommy O'Donnell, who has taken his chance well in Sean O'Brien's absence, secures the turnover as an Italian runner leaves his support behind.

The wind is sucked out of the hosts' sails.

A late rally from Italy as they rumble up over the Ireland 22-metre line in the familiar shape of Sergio Parisse.

Luke McLean takes the ball deeper into the danger zone with neat side-step...

Something for the home fans, or supporters of any stripe, to really get their teeth into. Tomasso Allan is at the centre of a slick runaround and out wide and Luke McLean has the space to gallop down the left wing.

Robbie Henshaw is across to snuff out the threat, but the crowd enjoyed that.

BBC

Isaac Boss has been brought on in place of Conor Murray for a late run out for Ireland.

Ten minutes to go and the heavens have opened in Rome. Absolutely pelting down and any faint hope of some decent running rugby are now surely down the gurgler.

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Former Wales No8 Scott Quinnell: Soft yellow for Italy. Amazing how it can change the mind set. Italy dug deep for so long in defence. Ireland now in total charge.

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Liz Noonan

Liz Noonan: #friendlyrivalry

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Ireland international Reggie Corrigan: "That's the job done from an Irish point of view. It took long enough to get there but you would hope now we will see a bit more running rugby from Ireland. The Italian heads have completely dropped now.

Listen to full match commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"Eventually, that tackle count is going to count against you. Tommy O'Donnell shows great pace and the superior fitness of this Ireland team is coming into play. Andrea Masi should have been able to take him."

Try

Getty Images

Leonardo Ghiraldini's repeated infringements don't look so streetwise now.

With their hooker in the bin, Italy's defence suddenly looks threadbare.

Tommy O'Donnell spots a hole, shrugging off Andrea Masi and cantering in under the posts from outside the 22-metre line.

Ian Madigan flips over the extras.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"It hasn't been pretty but the mauling has been very good today from Ireland, they've kept momentum going and Italy haven't been able to cope with it."

Try

Getty Images

Ireland finally grind a way through to the whitewash.

Nothing complicated to get your head around here. Line-out ball into the giant mitts of Paul O'Connell, an eight-man shove, and Conor Murray scoops up from the wreckage and dots down.

Ian Keatley adds the extras before being replaced by Ian Madigan.

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"Ghiraldini is in there but I don't know if that's particularly cynical. I think Castrogiovanni is very lucky, you knew it was offside. It's three-to-one in terms of tackling. All the momentum has moved to Ireland."

Sin-bin

Getty Images

Maybe that will open things up.

Leonardo Ghiraldini takes a 10-minute sit-down after pushing the referee's patience too far.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"These penalties have really cost Italy today. They've given them away far too cheaply and haven't been able to deal with this Irish maul at all."

More like it. A little less grunt, a little more grey matter.

Ian Keatley puts up the cross-field bomb and Simon Zebo just fails to gather.

Tommaso Allan replaces Michele Campagnaro in the Italian centres.

Conor Murray partially charges down Andrea Masi's clearing kick on the Italy 22-metre line and Ireland work the ball left.

Tommy Bowe, faced with a wall of blue, attempts to grubber forward for himself. Good idea, but his kick cannons off Italian socks and into touch.

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PA

Former England hooker Brian Moore: The rainbow over the Olympic Stadium in Rome is the most colourful thing about this game.

Oh I don't know Brian, some of the Ireland fans are pushing it close.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Ireland international Reggie Corrigan: "This is just not what we have come to expect from Ireland after their successful autumn internationals but let's not criticise them, they are leading so it's all about getting out of Rome with the win."

Listen to full match commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra

Penalty

Someone wake up the scoreboard operators! We have some points!

Leonardo Ghiraldini infringes at the scrum and Ian Keatley pops over a routine kick.

This must be what it was like watching rugby in the 1900s.

In the absence of anything of note on the field, the Ireland fans are making their own entertainment singing "the Fields of Athenry".

BBC

Carlo Del Fava

Former Italy lock on BBC One

BBC

"When the ground is cutting up, it's extremely difficult to scrummage because all your pressure and purchase comes from your studs gripping the ground. If the ground is slipping underneath you, it puts you under immense pressure."

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Toby Jones: Italy are looking very good this year, could cause a few upsets.

Lucy Victoria: Ireland's attack way too flat, and lacking any magic. Nothing threatening with ball in hand.

Changes on both sides by the way with Rory Best replaced by Sean Cronin in the Ireland front row and Alessandro Zanni replaced by Marco Barbini in the Italian backrow.

Ireland finally manage to work the numbers in their favour.

Their three-quarter line find themselves opposite some bulking forward beef and Jared Payne makes headway before slipping the ball out the side door for Robbie Henshaw.

He is hauled down just short of the line by some desperate Italy defence, but Ireland knock on in their haste to play the ball as space opens up out wide.

That was a semi let-off for Ireland. Michele Campagnaro gets a palm to Ian Keatley's attempted pass to Simon Zebo but can't gather cleanly. He might have been in there if he had enough pace to make the most of a legitimate interception.

A hint of space as Ian Keatley throws the mis-pass to Tommy Bowe out on the left wing. The cover scrabbles across though before the British Lion can fire up the after-burners and there is no green-shirted support to off-load to.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Ireland international Reggie Corrigan: "Ireland are just trying to grind out this result here. They are going through the motions and there is nothing of the creativeness we are used to seeing instead they are just trying to bosh it up when they get the chance. Italy on the other hand have come out strongly and will want to put Ireland under pressure at every chance they get."

Listen to full match commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra

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England scrum-half Richard Wigglesworth: Back home and now with feet up watching the rest of the Six Nations with my boy, Fred, before heading back into camp tomorrow. Still buzzing from last night. Thought all the lads stepped up and to come back from 10-0 down to win and leave a couple of tries out there showed how well we played.

Reuters

Playing rugby at the Stadio Olimpico looks like trying to fight the rush-hour commuter flow on London Underground.

Ireland are having plenty of the ball but any creativity is being suffocated by Italy defence that is up in their faces straight away.

All very narrow. All very unexciting.

Kick-off

Ian Keatley gets us back going and Italian opposite number Kelly Haimona gets underneath the kick to gather cleanly.

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"I believe Ireland are going to up the pace and be more focused. There were some silly errors in the first half which were unacceptable."

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Arthur P Winkle: Italy are an inept side that seem to drag their opponents down to their own level of mediocrity. Yawn!! #friendlyrivalry

Neal B: Englishman hoping for the 'double'. England beat Wales, now come on Italia! And if France can win later the drinks are on me

Josephine Guckian: Disappointing first half. Too much stopping. Thought Ireland would have scored at least 1 try in 1st half.

"Will the owner of a Fiat Cinquecento registration number ...."

The stadium announcer at the Stadio Olimpico has been getting through a lot of admin during the half-time break, drowning out Keith Wood and Carlo Del Fava with massive-decibel announcements.

We are finally ready to get back under way.

Carlo Del Fava

Former Italy lock on BBC One

"There's not much to focus on and analyse because the most exciting thing has been the Ireland maul attack."

It has been an eyesore of a game so far.

The stats don't lie.

Clean breaks: Italy 0-0 Ireland

Defenders beaten: Italy 4-3 Ireland

Metres run with ball: Italy 110-87 Ireland

One for the purists we could say. If we were being kind.

BBC

Carlo Del Fava

Former Italy lock on BBC One

AFP

"Italy are securing possession but they're not using it as a devastating weapon. We're winning ball slightly under pressure, it's not as clean and as crisp as it needs to be."

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"I think Joe Schmidt wants to keep it simple, but he'd like to see a few tries. You know Ireland are going to kick a lot but the accuracy of that kicking hasn't been up to scratch. It's been lacklustre."

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Ireland international Reggie Corrigan: "I think Ireland will be disappointed with that first half. They have only got a six point lead and I think at half-time they will be having stern words and will expect more from each in the second half."

Listen to full match commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra

Half-time

Penalty

Ireland swarm around the lineout to prevent Italy's rolling maul from getting a head of steam up.

But Ireland have infringed again and this time, with the clock against them, Italy opt for the easy points.

And Kelly Haimona does make it look easy, stroking over. That is the final action of the half.

Italy have a penalty inside the 22 as Tommy O'Donnell drops to his knees over a breakdown.

Sergio Parisse tells his fly-half to aim his boot for the corner rather than the sticks.

Ambitious from the Italy captain. Or maybe he does not trust Kelly Haimona's place kicking...

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Shane McDaid: Yes Keatley- earn that No. 10!! Ire v Italy Come ya Green Beasts

Tony Cooper: I think Ireland are adequate so far...not spectacular

David Dillon: At least Ireland winning their own line-outs. Unlike that fully deserved defeat of 2 years ago. Stealing one now.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"The maul has given Ireland another three-point opportunity. I don't imagine Ireland have had the lion's share of the territory, but they've been more disciplined."

Penalty

Italy second row Joshua Furno pops up on the wrong side of a maul.

Conor Murray tries to take matters into his own hands, but can't haul the second row out of the way by his collar.

The referee has spotted the offside though and up shoots his arms. No advantage so they come back for the penalty and Ian Keatley does not need asking twice. He clips over to stretch the lead to nine points.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Ireland international Reggie Corrigan: "There's confusion in that midfield about what each of the players is meant to be doing. There have also been a lot of handling errors and unforced ones. Italy have been playing really well and if they can keep it like this until half time they really will think they can take something from the game.

"Ireland haven't done anything yet to suggest to me they are going to be scoring a lot of tries."

Listen to full match commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra

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BBC Sport

Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson is multi-tasking this afternoon; watching rugby, taking pictures and tweeting. "Alex is cheering on the Italians I think. I'm going for the men in green!!" says the World Cup winner.

Italy have been frustrating Ireland though, denying them quick ball as they contest every breakdown.

Ireland under-commit to a ruck after Simon Zebo charges in and hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini strips the ball from the tackled man.

Enough glory hunting from the big lads. The Ireland forwards need to get back to basics, hit all the breakdowns and leave the catching and running stuff to the backs.

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Former England hooker Brian Moore: More poor refereeing of the scrum - Ross clear arm bind.

Mike Ross has the upper hand on his man at scrum time. The referee blows up to give Ireland a penalty and Ian Keatley finds the corner. More pressure from the men in green.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"Conor Murray's kicking has been accurate and has resulted in turnovers and penalties. Ireland are under no real pressure at the moment."

Things still not quite clicking for the Ireland backs, but Ian Keatley will take confidence from that excellent salvage job.

The Ireland fly-half scoops up after Conor Murray's pass goes to ground, throws Luke McLean off the scent with a little show of the ball and then punts a trundling kick over the top of a scattered Italy back three and into the corner.

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Maggie Vandermeer

Maggie Vandermeer: #BBCSixNations watching in Sol in Cape Verde.

Italy have a decent looking bit of territory just outside the Ireland 22-metre line, but Kelly Haimona looks like a fly-half making it up as he goes along. And not in a good, free-wheeling maverick way either.

His nothing-much chip into the corner is claimed by Tommy Bowe despite Sergio Parisse's attempt to stick a knee in the Ireland wing's back.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"What was good about that is Keatley's maintained his composure and confidence in his kicking because he's made a few errors so far in this game. He needs to be more accurate in what he's doing."

Penalty

AP

A beautifully weighted box kick from Conor Murray gives Tommy Bowe the chance to contest an aerial ball with Andrea Masi.

The ball spills forward off Masi's hand and when Luke McLean grabs it instinctively in an offside position, the referee awards Ireland's way.

Ian Keatley has not convinced with ball in hand so far, but his kicking off the tee has been immaculate. Through the sticks it goes to double the lead.

Carlo Del Fava

Former Italy lock on BBC One

AFP

"It's interesting to see two different styles of play. Ireland are attacking with big, hard runners, whereas Italy are trying to play through their number 10 and are getting turned over."

A touch of aerial ping-pong between Andrea Masi and Rob Kearney and the Ireland full-back finds the winning angle dribbling the ball out just inside the Italy half.

It has not been a classic so far.

Simon Zebo knocks on as he comes in off the wing in search of work.

Beaming around the world

BBC Sport

"Watching live from Saudi," tweets Samantha, who looks like she could be on the set of a Sci-Fi movie. No out-of-this-world rugby in Rome, yet.

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Former Ireland international Reggie Corrigan: "Already 10 minutes into the game we are already seeing domination from Ireland, as the game progresses you would have to think it's going to be a long day for Italy as they struggle to contain this strong Irish side."

Listen to full match commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra

Kelly Haimona takes on responsibility from fly-half for Italy. He attacks the Ireland forwards, but it is like he has sprinted into quicksand as Jack McGrath and Tommy O'Donnell wrap him up tight and turn over the ball.

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Rebecca Elizabeth

Rebecca Elizabeth: Italian and Irish watching the six nations #friendlyrivalry #ITAvIRL

Ireland's backs are rolling nicely.

Jared Payne, saddled with the 13 shirt recently vacated by Brian O'Driscoll, charges into contact with pace and purpose.

But a promising bit of momentum is squandered as Ian Keatley throws an inside pass forward. Basic error.

Carlo Del Fava

Former Italy lock on BBC One

"Way too many penalties in the opening quarter and Italy are not putting any pressure on Ireland. They really need to cut that out of the game."

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

AFP

"Ireland really will want to get width on the ball once they get into attacking situations. They'll want to keep going, and keep the scoreboard ticking like that. They'll be happy to contain this Italian team."

Penalty

George Biagi needlessly infringes for a second time - wandering offside around the fringes. It was not sneaky, it was not done at any pace and there was no real reward to be gained.

Instead he is spotted by the referee and Ian Keatley plops over the first penalty shot of the game.

Getty Images

The Stadio Olimpico, which also does business hosting Roma's football matches, is cutting up under the heavy duty requirements of Test scrummaging.

The referee shifts the set-piece to a clean patch of grass and Ireland look like they are turning the screw up front.

Basic errors are costing Italy.

A meat-and-potatoes up-and-under from Ian Keatley bobbles out of the grasp of second row George Biagi and Ireland have a scrum just outside the Azzurri 22-metre line.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"They'd given up the contact and were falling into tackles, rather than knocking the Italians back. It was a lovely dummy by Edoardo Gori. If it hadn't been forward Ireland could have been in trouble."

Italy scrum-half Edoardo Gori is as keen as a poacher as he spots a gap on the short side. A dummy and a dart punches a half-hole, but his off-load to Luca Morisi drifts just forward to give Ireland the first scrum of the afternoon.

Kick-off

Kelly Haimona clips the kick-off high into the Rome air and his chasers are committed and quick. Chaos in the landing zone on the Ireland ten-metre and the home side have regain possession amid the fray.

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Tom Dixon: #ShouldertoShoulder Come on you boys in green!

Peter Hardy: Ireland by 20 sorry Italy I'll be rooting for you but we know how this is going to go down.

Matthew Greenhill: Ireland to win by 20. Exciting backline Kearney, Zebo, Bowe

Sergio Parisse and Martin Castrogiovanni lead the Italian singing. Palms clamped over hearts from the backing chorus.

We are ready to go.

Tommy O'Donnell is the man called in at short notice to take the place of the striken Sean O'Brien.

O'Brien looks distinctly miffed as he watches his team-mates belt out Ireland's call from the bench.

Nine out of 10 ain't bad.

BBC Sport

What a year 2014 was for the men in green. They won the championship, provided Brian O'Driscoll with a fairytale ending to his career, and went on to win more and more Tests in the summer and autumn. It was a 12 months on a par with 2009, when they last won nine of 10 Tests in a year. Nine out of 10 = 90% = A-star.

Carlo Del Fava

Former Italy lock on BBC One

"You can hear the crowd from all angles of the field, it gives you goosebumps. You can't wait for that kick-off."

Italy keep Ireland waiting on the pitch for a couple of moments as Sergio Parisse tightens up the huddle back in the home dressing room.

Finally he leads the home team out to a rousing reception.

Anthem time.

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John McEnerney: Sergio will give Murray a torrid time today, Jordi is no Jamie, he has his work cut out for him. Ireland to win, tougher than it looks

Ryan McPea: Cmon Ireland!! Let's beat the Italians! Think it'll be an incredible match

Sean O'Brien out

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"That puts the team under a little bit of pressure because he was seen to do a huge amount in the breakdown. We've not seen him play for a year-and-a-half in international rugby, which is a shame. I don't think it was a gamble to select him because if a player's ready you're better to start him than put him on the bench."

BreakingBreaking news

Ireland have been forced into a late change to their starting line-up with Sean O'Brien tweaking a hamstring in the warm-up.

Terrible luck for the flanker who has waited so long for his international comeback, but it does not look like an injury that will keep him out much beyond this week.

Another bow for Castrogiovanni

BBC Sport

Italy's hirsute prop Martin Castrogiovanni is set to make his 54th appearance in the Six Nations this afternoon, which will place him equal third on the all-time list of Six Nations appearances.

Team news

Getty Images

Italy have banked plenty of experience with 660 caps in their starting XV.

Sergio Parisse, as ever, leads the side, but there will be plenty of focus on fly-half Kelly Haimona who starts for the first time in the Six Nations.

Born in New Zealand, Haimona should hold his own in defence, tipping the scales at more than 16 stone.

Italy: 15-Andrea Masi, 14-Leonardo Sarto, 13-Michele Campagnaro, 12-Luca Morisi, 11-Luke McLean, 10-Kelly Haimona, 9-Edoardo Gori; 1-Matias Aguero, 2-Leonardo Ghiraldini, 3-Martin Castrogiovanni, 4-Joshua Furno, 5-George Biagi, 6-Alessandro Zanni, 7-Francesco Minto, 8-Sergio Parisse (captain).

Replacements: 16-Andrea Manici, 17-Alberto de Marchi, 18-Dario Chistolini, 19-Marco Fuser, 20-Marco Barbini, 21-Guglielmo Palazzani, 22-Tommaso Allan, 23-Giovanbattista Venditti.

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Rossanna FoxTrudgian: Is Paul O'Connell the real life Benjamin Button - he gets younger every year!

Carlo Del Fava

Former Italy lock on BBC One

"You mention Paul O'Connell's name and, straight away, it's associated with respect and he's earned that respect because of the intensity he brings to the game, and his complete and utter commitment in defence."

Team news

The big Ireland team news today is the return of the Tullow Tank.

Sean O'Brien has had two shoulder reconstructions in the past 12 months - an occupational hazard when you are a human wrecking ball of a flanker - but is back on the open side.

Munster fly-half Ian Keatley is making his Six Nations debut at the age of 27.

Johnny Sexton, ruled out of this one with concussion, is in line to make his comeback against France next weekend.

Ireland: 15-Rob Kearney, 14-Tommy Bowe, 13-Jared Payne, 12-Robbie Henshaw, 11-Simon Zebo, 10-Ian Keatley, 9-Conor Murray; 1-Jack McGrath, 2-Rory Best, 3-Mike Ross, 4-Devin Toner, 5-Paul O'Connell (captain), 6-Peter O'Mahony, 7-Sean O'Brien, 8-Jordi Murphy.

Replacements: 16-Sean Cronin, 17-James Cronin, 18-Martin Moore, 19-Iain Henderson, 20-Tommy O'Donnell, 21-Isaac Boss, 22-Ian Madigan, 23-Felix Jones.

There was a lot of talk last night about the effect that England's win over Wales might have when the two teams meet in the World Cup in the autumn.

Well, Italy and Ireland have a similar reunion booked in.

They are paired in Pool D along with France, Canada and Romania.

Only two can make it through.

And you might not want to be second the of those two either. The group runners-up likely to play the All Blacks in the last eight.

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"This is the most amazing place to come. We were here two years ago when Italy beat France, and then Ireland, and the atmosphere was extraordinary. It's turned into the must-see place on the rugby itinerary."

An Italian fairytale

BBC

You'll find all sorts of characters lurking around the Stadio Olimpico, but the early afternoon drinking seems to have taken its toll on Snow White.

Frankly she looks like she could do with the vitamin C in that apple in the Wicked Witch's basket,

"The spirit of rugby!" tweets Sandro Lucci on Instagram.

Italy lost all five of their Six Nations matches last season and it has not got a lot better.

Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Argentina, and South Africa have all chalked up wins over the Italians since then.

They have won only one of their last 11.

Be wary of the super starters

BBC Sport

Italy are usually tough opponents on home soil on the opening weekend - but winning their first Six Nations match has almost become a matter of routine for the Irish.

They've won 10 of 15 first-round Tests, including nine of their last 10. It's no wonder Paul O'Connell has been smiling in training.

BBC Coverage

PA

These words not enough for you?

Don't worry, no offence taken. I quite understand.

Fortunately live coverage from Rome is just starting up thanks to the good people of BBC One. BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and BBC Radio Ulster will also be broadcasting from the city of seven hills.

And you can tune into any of those without even leaving this page. Simply scroll to the top of the page and click on the play button for telly and the live coverage tab for the wireless.

By the way, neither of the characters above is on broadcast duties.

North incident under investigation

A bit of breaking news for you.

It turns out that World Rugby big wigs were among the millions of television viewers concerned to see Wales wing George North play on after two whacks to the head.

The second, an accidental clash with Mike Brown, saw him fold to the floor with limbs limp by his sides.

"Having undertaken an initial review of the broadcast footage, World Rugby is seeking to establish from the WRU whether all concussion management protocols were appropriately followed," read a World Rugby statement.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has backed his medical team's assessment by the way.

Ireland firm favourites?

Ireland's 2014 Six Nations averages were far superior to that of Italy's, as you might expect from the team which went on to win the title. Last year, Ireland scored more tries, kicked more goals, accumulated more points, made more carries and won more turnovers than the Azzurri.

We could go on...

The morning after the night before in Cardiff and Chris Robshaw is still fulfilling autograph requests.

The England captain shook plenty of hands and posed for countless selfies in the aftermath of his side's win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium last night.

His on-field leadership has been questioned, but as an off-field ambassador he is second to none.

The sort of gent that you would be pleased to see your sister bring home.

@RFU

Get involved #friendlyrivalry

James Gallagher

James Gallagher: Watching with my twins. Their first #SixNations #friendlyrivalry

Billy Vunipola has pretty much won the friendly rivalry hashtag game already.

The England number eight posted a picture last night of his cousin and Welsh counterpart Taulupe Faletau sandwiched between him and his brother Mako.

"Win or lose, family comes first," he tweeted.

@Bvunipola

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We also want to see where you are watching today's match from.

We will be allocating points in the style of the old I-Spy books.

Five points for a pint of the black stuff in shot, 15 for some sort of leprechaun get-up and a full 50 for full Roman centurion garb.

Tweet your photos to #friendlyrivalry and we will get the best up in lights on this very page.

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So, here is your poser for Saturday lunchtime...

Is Schmidt the best coach in the Six Nations?

Or did Stuart Lancaster's second-half switcheroo in Cardiff last night sway you to his camp?

Or are you a paid-up disciple of Vern Cotter's new Scottish dawn?

Or might Warren Gatland have the last laugh come World Cup time?

Give us a holler on #bbc6nations on Twitter, via the BBC Sport Facebook page, or on 81111 on the old-school text message and have your say.

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And, just for extra, Joe Schmidt oversaw Ireland's win over Australia in November when he should have been having his appendix removed.

He even did a post-match interview, before popping off to St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin and having the little blighter extracted.

Paul O'Connell's assessment of his coach's mood: ""He was as normal stand-offish."

What a guy.

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The softly-spoken Kiwi steered Leinster to back-to-back Heineken Cup triumphs in some style before taking on the national team job in April 2013.

Less than a year later and Ireland edged out France to win in Paris for only the second time in 42 years and clinch the Six Nations.

And they have not lost since.

A pair of wins over Argentina in the summer were followed by victories over South Africa and Australia in the autumn.

They are now up to third in the World Rugby rankings.

Could those dark horses finally be worth putting your World Cup stake on?

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Defending champions, but dark horses.

Ireland in recent years have been defined by what they haven't won. Not what they have.

Despite a stellar generation, led by now-retired Brian O'Driscoll, last year's Six Nations triumph was only their second since the tournament was expanded back in 2000.

They have never been beyond the last eight of a World Cup.

Boss Joe Schmidt is not a man to stand for such underachievement.