Six Nations: How England & Ireland won

1. Ireland 18-11 France FT - watch/listen again in 'Live Coverage'
2. Five Sexton penalties + 1 Madigan kick for Ireland
3. Romain Taofifenua try for France
4. England 47-17 Italy FT - watch/listen again in 'Live Coverage'
5. B Vunipola, Joseph (2), B Youngs, Cipriani, Easter tries for England
6. Scotland play Wales on Sunday
7. Live on BBC TV, radio and online

We don't want to break any hearts, but it's time to call time on this most romantic of live texts. Two teams are still in with a chance of winning the Grand Slam, and they - Ireland and England - will meet in Dublin in 1 March. But before all of that, Scotland will host Wales at Murrayfield on Sunday, which is tomorrow for some of us. Join us then for more live text commentary. Bye for now.

The stats

Opta

The statisticians have been number crunching and, perhaps surprisingly, France enjoyed the greater possession (54%) and territory (54%), not that it matters all that much as they still lost.

The stats

BBC

It was at the breakdown that the game was won, with Ireland winning plenty of turnovers to give Jonathan Sexton the chance to kick the points.

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"France have to revert to what they do really well. They look so comfortable when they throw the ball around. They need to have their general at nine and Rory Kockott is not that guy. He is a sniping nine and that doesn't suit France for me. Morgan Parra would be a better bet for me."

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"The intensity of the battle will go up a notch in two weeks' time. Ireland will know that England are the big game. They are the last team to beat Ireland and they will come to Dublin with momentum and form."

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"The England forwards have to dominate the Irish pack, which will take some doing. The Irish defence was so good, it's whether England have the confidence to unlock that defence. I think they have to kick a bit more. Irish line speed was awesome, but there was space behind. If the England forwards don't arrive in a couple of weeks' time they will get beat."

Can England beat Ireland in Dublin on 1 March. How can Stuart Lancaster's men get the better of this formidable-looking Irish team? Don't ask us but, thankfully, Sir Clive Woodward does have a few answers to those questions...

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Kenny: I was a neutral and I enjoyed that Ireland-France match. Sure there was a bit of a lull part way through, but overall great.

Dai Trembath: England, Ireland and France are really beatable. France especially so after today.

Ian Leitch: French are pretty straightforward to beat just slow the ball down and frustrate them and the victory will come.

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Former Wales flanker Martyn Williams: Must have been drinking heavily when I bet on France to win 6 Nations......with all that talent they've got can't believe how bad they are.

Thomas Castaignede

Former France international on BBC One

"The first half was quite poor but the second half was much better with more variety, the wingers coming in off the flanks looking for work and Morgan Parra sped things up from the base. The first half was far too indisciplined."

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"I'd put him as the number one coach in world rugby. He's done a great job and between the two teams, from a coaching point of view, Ireland seemed better organised and that's what got them over the line."

PA

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt speaking to BBC Sport: "It was very difficult in the last quarter. They have some of the biggest humans I have ever seen playing rugby and we did well to stop their momentum and scrambled well in defence. We were a little bemused by some of the scrum decisions after they replaced their loose-head prop but we did well.

"Jamie Heaslip is in a bit of pain and is going to go for a scan tonight. It is for other people to review that incident. Jonathan Sexton never takes a step back, he knew that physicality was coming, but he was taken off for blood rather than concussion. He will be all right, he just nursing a shiner that is coming up."

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"Joe Schmidt isn't taking a huge amount of risks but they're playing with composure. The amount of time Jonathan Sexton has on the ball is extraordinary. They look comfortable. They need to play better, without a shadow of a doubt, but he's setting a winning foundation."

France lose for the first time at the Aviva Stadium and their miserable away record under Philippe Saint-Andre. Will he still be in charge when these two sides meet in the World Cup Pool D on 11 October in Cardiff? There's no question surrounding Joe Schmidt's position...

Should Pascal Pepe have received a red card for kneeing Jamie Heaslip in the back? Keith Wood thinks so as he chats with Gaby Logan and co on the Six Nations forum (which is available at the top of this page).

AFP

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell speaking to BBC Sport: "We wanted to be disciplined and accurate and we were not always able to do that but to get a win against a side as talented as France is big for us. I wouldn't have the greatest record against France so this is big for me but the game against England on 1 March is going to be another level I think, judging by how they played against Wales."

A record-equalling ninth Test victory for Ireland, but can they make it 10 with victory against fellow Grand Slam chasers England? We have a couple of weeks to salivate over that March 1 encounter.

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James Rafferty: Great Irish performance very important win that

Antonia Timmis: How can I focus on physics revision when the rugby is that good?!

Ian Emery: Superb game. Thoroughly enjoyed that. Well played Ireland.

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Terry Charleton: Phew, great to hang on for the win

Andy Donley: I love watching Mathieu Bastareaud play, complete animal. Not sure Jonny Sexton does though!

Simon Fallaha: Not as easy as it looked at one point, and Heaslip looks in pain, but what a win. Two down, three to go

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"I think Ireland were lucky at times, France had a couple of opportunities they didn't take, but they worked really hard for that victory."

Thomas Castaignede

Former France international on BBC One

"It was a very good second half from the French team. Vincent Debarty was enormous after he came on and that sows some seeds of hope for the future."

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"It is all about the result from an Irish perspective. I think they will be disappointed that they didn't create more and butchered a clear try-scoring chance there in the second half. But the French defence is amongst the best. France again didn't create much themselves."

Getty Images

France's second-half revival, ultimately, comes to nothing thanks to outstanding Irish defending, and Ireland's hopes of winning the Grand Slam, and retaining their title, are still alive.

Full-time

BBC

Simon Zebo pushes Yoann Huget into touch and Ireland live on!

We're into the 80th... France have possession... Les Bleus rumble forward... Morgan Parra at the base of the ruck...

Ian Henderson keeping keeping his head while all around him are losing theirs. He goes over the top, calmly wins the ball - but France have put-in at the scrum.

Morgan Parra dashes down the blindside but finds himself in a cul de sac so the French go searching for some joy to the left... Two minutes remaining...

Remi Tales weaves his way out of a couple of green-shirted defenders, helping set his backline rolling. France attempting to find holes in the Irish defence, sniping, probing... Wayne Barnes keeping a close eye at the mass of bodies on the floor and he toots his whistle. Penalty France. Scrum France.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"France are chasing the game now. They have picked it up, as they just did to run it in, but you just get the sense that they didn't bring that same intensity to the first 60 minutes of the game and they are going to regret that."

France are looking dangerous. Mathieu Bastareaud batters his way over the gainline, which helps put his team on the front foot. Jonathan Sexton again attempting to stand in the centre's way - and the outside-half needs treatment on the gash near his eye.

Adventure from Camille Lopez as he calmly gathers Jonathan Sexton's kick towards the gods and evades a couple of tackles... France on the up, and they earn a chance to kick to touch after Devin Toner is penalised at the scrum. Interesting times ahead.

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"Ireland really need to get hold of the ball and start to play some territory. The French front row have been awesome since they came on, Vincent Debaty especially has been awesome off the bench."

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"Lopez didn't get anywhere near that conversion and he had to knock that over to make this a game France could win. There is still a bit of time left and Ireland have to play all their rugby down in the French territory now."

Try

PA

France spin it wide, they have plenty of men on the right. Surely they won't mess this one up. Nope. Romain Taofifenua strolls over, twirling out of Rob Kearney's attempted tackle. Crucially, though, Camille Lopez fails with the conversion.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"I can't see France being able to overhaul this lead. They might score points and pick the game up as they have been but I don't see them getting there.

"After this game I think France will have quite public beef with referee Wayne Barnes. It has not been a good penalty count for them today."

An intake of breath from the crowd as Camile Lopez is put under pressure in his own 22 by an enthusiastic Irish chaser, but the outside-half's kick curls into touch, earning his team valuable metres and great position.

Penalty

AFP

A needless mistakes by France at the scrum allows Ireland to kick their way into France's half. Damien Chouly is caught offside at the line-out and the Number 8 gives a wry smile. Three points for Jonathan Sexton? Yes!

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"France are getting a bit of momentum and a bit more confidence with the ball. They are trying things, trying to get players like Yoann Huget into the game. He is so dangerous running those inside lines. I thought he was one of France's better performers against Scotland. But there has not been enough ball or phase play to get him into the game."

Morgan Parra comes on in place of Rory Kockott and could the wily scrum-half knock over a drop-goal or two to drag his team back into contention?

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"The Irish defence is heroic. Their speed to their feet and their line speed were both exceptional in the last five minutes and they were rewarded with a turnover."

Les Bleus going through the phases, using Mathieu Bastareaud's strength in midfield, but the visitors come unstuck as Yoann Huget spills the ball. Ireland, so far, holding firm under intense pressure.

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Will Smith: Ireland still look very beatable, set pieces aren't working for them

Mark Wilkins: Every time France start to look like the running French sides off the past, they throw the ball away

Andy Heys: France letting themselves down again with poor discipline, but should have been red.

France are now back to full strength, and have seven minutes to make the most of their man advantage. France coming up against an Irish brick wall, though, every time they barge forward.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"That is one of those moments when you utter the phrase 'I'm not sure this is going to be France's day'. Plenty of rugby left, the game just seems to be going a little bit away from the French."

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"It is very difficult for Rory Best to get away there and unfortunately in trying to do so he has made contact with Thierry Dusautoir.

"This game is full of turns. This new French front row is making a difference to the scrums. Philippe Saint Andre brought them on just as Ireland seemed to be getting on top and it has turned the tide."

Missed penalty

A dreadful attempt by Camille Lopez, screwing his effort wide of the uprights and Ireland hold on to their nine-point advantage.

Sin-bin

Momentum swinging this way and that. Ireland now reduced to 14 men, Rory Best penalised for tripping Thierry Dusautoir while hiding underneath a mass of bodies at the breakdown.. Camille Lopez can now reduce the arrears.

France's giants in the front-row are putting Ireland under pressure in the scrum, and Mike Ross receives a talking to from Wayne Barnes after he awards a penalty to the visitors. But Camille Lopez misses touch!

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"The decision on Pascal Pape could have gone either way, but from a coaching point of view it robs France of the momentum they were building. You cannot have players doing undisciplined things like that under pressure. That is what costs you big games, World Cup knockout games."

All sorts of dark arts happening in the scrum and Ireland are deemed to have collapsed it. France, once again, are able to kick their way out of danger. It's been a stop-start couple of minutes, and just four minutes remain of Pascal Pape's sin-bin.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"If Sexton had put it behind Jared Payne Ireland had a big overlap. Poor technique and the wrong option. A missed chance. That could have been the game right there."

The tryline is looming for Ireland... Jonathan Sexton in space, but the outside-half is caught in two minds and his pass hits Jared Payne in the face. Whack. Had the centre gathered he would have strolled unchallenged over the line. France with a put-in at the scrum near their own posts.

PA

Someone has flicked the switch and France have come to life in this second half, ever since they changed the front row it should be said. But Mathieu Bastareaud is penalised and that gives Jonathan Sexton the chance to kick to touch.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"A real opportunity for Ireland now to punish France for that Pascal Pape infringement. If Ireland can get another point on the board all of a sudden France heads will start dropping and it will be a long way back."

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"I think that a knee to the back, to the kidneys is potentially worse than a punch to the head. Pascal Pape is a very lucky boy not to be seeing red."

Sin-bin

Pascal Pape is off for 10 minutes, but Eddie Butler and most of the pundits believe the second-row is lucky not to have seen a red card. "I believe that was deliberate," says Wayne Barnes while showing the Frenchman the yellow.

Pascal Pape could be in trouble. Did he deliberately knee Jamie Heaslip? Replays currently being shown. The crowd hissing with every slo-mo.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"Looks like France are going to change it up in the front row with three huge, huge men coming on."

France, by the way, changed their front-row before Ian Madigan aimed at the uprights with the giants Uini Atonio and Vincent Debaty replacing Eddy Ben Arous and Rabah Slimani - and hooker Guilhem Guiardo also coming off.

Penalty

Rory Kockott caught holding on in the tackle and Ian Madigan is the man changed with aiming at the posts while Jonathan Sexton is away from the pitch. There's 33m separating the ball and the posts but it could be 50m so confident is the replacement.

Field of Anthenry rings around the stadium as Conor Murray puts in at the scrum. Ireland very much in the ascendancy. It should be only a matter of time before they add points to the scoreboard.

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"You get the sense that Ireland's forwards have really upped their physicality since half time and are starting to get the upper hand on their French counterparts."

AFP

The France scrum is unsteady... Green shirts are rushing forward, sensing an opportunity, but Ireland are caught offside. Possession and territory belongs to the hosts, though, and France are creaking.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"That is feature of the modern game. Tacklers go high nowadays in the attempt to prevent attackers getting the offload away, but it leaves you both open to the possibility of clashing heads."

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

PA

"A big, big collision for Sexton with Bastareaud. A clash of faces. Quite accidental, both players in the wrong position in the collision. Both players going off to get a bit of treatment."

Plenty of fire in Irish bellies at the start of this half. The forwards rumble forward... Jonathan Sexton stopped in his tracks by Mathieu Bastareaud, but the ball is back in Irish hands.

Sexton back on his feet but looks like he's been in a shoot 'em up, blood pouring from his eye. The camera focuses on Bastareaud and the centre also has a bloodied eye. Both players come off the pitch to receive treatment after that nasty head clash.

Jonathan Sexton charged down... Jack McGrath, circling his outside-half, gathers and Sexton is off the hook. Ireland recycling... making their way towards the French half inch by inch. Sexton with a dink over the French defence, but it dribbles over the line and France have a breather.

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AFP

Accenture Rugby: The last four times these teams have met, the side leading at half-time has not won the game

First mistake of the match from Jonathan Sexton and he slaps his thigh after watching his kick go out on the full. It was a promising bit of play from the Irish, but instead the French have a line-out near the halfway line.

France have only won three games in 15 away Tests under Philippe Saint-Andre and they are likely to suffer more misery away from home unless they can turn things around in this second half. So far, their big beasts have been unable to punch holes in the Irish defence.

Jonathan Sexton gets the second half under way...

First-half stats

Ireland-France

Tackles made: 39-57

Tackles missed: 5-8

Turnovers won: 5-4

Penalties conceded: 6-9

Carries: 54-38

Offloads: 1-3

Metres made: 149-72

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Ian: Well that was a bit boring! Ireland lead because of more indiscipline by the French than them.

John Ballard: Sexton's showing just what a great player he is. Best fly-half in the world for my money.

We hope you've placed your vote, John?

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"Ireland look very focused on what they are doing. They are playing quite naturally but they have an over-arching view on what they should be doing. I don't get the feeling that there is that same gameplan from the French. Philippe Saint-Andre's side have looked quite stilted for me.

"We love the French way of playing - the spontaneous stuff, the flashy stuff - but they look uncertain. And no-one likes to see that from the French."

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Eleanor Pender: ‏The Tale of the Half, all kicking. No clever moves, no French esprit.

Theresa: Sexton is winning this game for Ireland amazing!! xx

Tim Williams: ‏Wayne Barnes is going to wear that whistle out.

Thomas Castaignede

Former France international on BBC One

AFP

"There is nothing really positive to come from that half. I think we are quite passive, waiting for the Ireland attacks to come onto us, and scrum-half Rory Kockott has been slow from the breakdown."

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"I think Ireland will be quite pleased. They have weathered a French storm, but I think they are fitter and I think they have a stronger bench as well. I fancy them to come on strong in the second half."

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"Just at half-time, I'm trying to think what the respective coaches will be saying. From a French perspective he'll be saying we have to take Ireland through more phases and keep our discipline.

"From Joe Schmidt's point of view, he will be most concerned by the number of penalties that Ireland are conceding at the breakdown area."

Half-time

BBC

Adventure from France in the 40th minute, but once again they handle the ball as if it were a slippery bar of soap. Scott Spedding guilty this time of spilling and that's enough of that.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"Turnovers at the breakdown have been a real prominent feature of the game so far with both sides getting four apiece. Mathieu Bastareaud has been to the fore for France and that is something that Ireland will have to talk about at half-time if they want to protect the quick ball that they need."

Penalty

An easy one for Sexton, in front of the posts, and he could probably have knocked it over with his eyes closed. The outside-half maintains his 100% record.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"No hint of a try from either side so far. I think it is inevitable that both teams would have to take time to break each other down. So far it has been penalties, a couple of mistakes and good kicking. We haven't really seen any good line breaks so far."

Both team leaking points at the breakdown. Can the Irish turn promising sparks into a raging, roaring fire? They're trying... spinning it one way, then the other... huffing and puffing near the French 22, but they are unable to make any hard yards and Wayne Barnes blows for an earlier transgression. Where? At the breakdown.

Penalty

A shuffle of the hips from scrum-half Rory Kockott... he's eventually brought down by a trio of Irish defenders, but Rory Best is trapped on the wrong side and Wayne Barnes toots his whistle again. Lopez nibbles at Ireland's lead.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

PA

"Ireland are worth that lead. France have shown signs of coming back into the game but we haven't really seen any of the big, expansive attacking platform."

Teddy Thomas hobbles off. His evening is likely to be over, which is a shame as he is one of the few Frenchmen to have looked dangerous with the ball in hand.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"Ireland's attack really depends on getting quick ball away from rucks and they are starting to do that. If they can keep up that pace of play then the openings should start to appear."

Penalty

France, once again, are caught transgressing at the breakdown, holding on in the tackle once more. Sexton eyes one up from 37m and his effort sails between the uprights.

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PA

John McEnerney: Ireland slowly getting into this but never write off the French they're masters off doing nowt & getting results! Close 1 this!

Joel Newnham: game of penalties so far Ireland v France. Reminds me of 2003 #worldcupfinal

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"If you are France you probably have a bit more beef with the referee. But he has been very consistent with his interpretation of competing in the break down. France are playing right on the letter of the law and are getting the penalties they deserve."

Sacreu bleu! Ireland don't engage in the maul and France are penalised for crossing. The visitors botch their attempt to test the Irish defence.

Ireland with the speed of greyhounds and the menace of bears as they chase their own kicks. The Irish ferocious in defence and attack, but perhaps need more poise when in the French half. Jack McGrath holding on, Camille Lopez with the kick to touch and, from nothing, the French have a line-out inside the Irish 22.

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"This is a tough French team. They are very physical team and they can all get over the ball - everyone from 1 to 15 - and are difficult to shift. Ireland have to commit more numbers to the breakdown than they might usually or in training."

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"If Ireland can't win that quick ball on the ground then the game will go nowhere."

Mathieu Bastareaud charges into the Irish midfield with the finesse of a sledgehammer. Les Bleus starved of possession, though, coughing up the ball once more and Ireland test Scott Spedding once more under the high ball...

Conor Murray boots the ball skywards... Scott Spedding gathers but Rob Kearney is chasing and has his opponent in a vice-like grip. From defence to attack and it's the Irish who look the more threatening, although both teams are making silly errors.

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"Johnny Sexton is looking so cool and calm - if France are targeting him they are not doing a very good job so far."

Momentum with Ireland. Robbie Henshaw is put through by Jonathan Sexton, but the inexperienced centre holds onto the ball a tad too long in the tackle, which gives the French the opportunity to kick themselves into Irish territory.

Quick line-out ball from Paul O'Connell sets the Irish backline rolling and it's a dreamy kick from Jonathan Sexton which places his team within five metres of the French line. If this is the French attempting to rock Sexton, they're not doing a good job of it.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

"That was a very soft three-point opportunity that France gave away, especially after they had to wait 16 minutes before getting any points on the board."

Penalty

France not rolling away from the tackle, and it's another chance for Jonathan Sexton to test his radar a smidgeon outside France's 22. He puffs his cheeks, goes through his familiar routine - and hits it true.

Penalty

Silence as Camille Lopez finds his zen, and the outside-half continues his 100% penalty record in this tournament.

Getty Images

Another short, sharp shrill from Wayne Barnes' whistle. Ireland penalised for holding on in the tackle and Camille Lopez will aim at the posts in a bid to level the match.

Penalty

Jonathan Sexton with a tricky first attempt, left of the uprights, but there's no rustiness from Ireland's Number 10.

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"That was a beautiful kick from Jonathan Sexton and Tommy Bowe was not that far away. It was canny play and clear communication as well because they knew they had advantage and a free shot at that move. "

The men in green rumble forward before spinning it to Jonathan Sexton. The outside-half with the trademark rugby league kick towards the far touchline and the leaping Tommy Bowe touches the ball with his fingertips, but can't gather. Wayne Barnes blows the whistle for an earlier penalty, however.

Denis Hickie

Former Ireland winger on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"France look a bit hesitant and have not found their rhythm. When you travel away from home you have to get the basics right. They've had a bit of an advantage in the scrum but they are just off the pace at the moment."

The French are probably enjoying territory at the moment, but Ireland's defence is made of steel. Both teams struggling at the strum, though. This time it's the French who collapse, gifting Jonathan Sexton the opportunity to boot the ball into touch.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"That was interesting because Mathieu Bastareaud wasn't running down Jonathan Sexton's channel but the Ireland fly-half went looking to make the tackle. He went high and helped to secure the turnover. He clearly wants to get involved early on and there was no sign of a hangover from the time Bastareaud left him concussed."

Jonathan Sexton intentionally runs into the dumper truck that is Mathieu Bastareaud and the outside-half helps stop the Frenchman's momentum. Great defending from the hosts, earning themselves a put-in at the scrum on their own 22.

Off. An overthrow from Rory Best and the Irish are forced onto their heels. But France can't take advantage of the opportunity.

A slight stop in play with some shenanigans in the scrum... Conor Murray with a put-in... the Irish front row collapses and Wayne Barnes toots his whistle and awards French the penalty.

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PA

Ingeborg: And yet another rugby game on #bbc6nations yay!! This is a great weekend!!

Linda Keen: Come on #Ireland show 'em how it's done! #BoysinGreen

Ryan Northwood: Ireland's back 3 combination actually scares me! So much talent and speed!

An iffy pass from Simon Zebo, but the winger is fleet enough of foot to get himself out of trouble. Ireland going through the phases but it's all on the halfway line. Jonathan Sexton with a chip... Scott Spedding collects but is gang tackled into touch.

Rob Kearney tests Camille Lopez with an up-and-under and the outside-half stays firm. An aerial bombardment from the Irish at the moment, and the French backline are dealing with whatever drops from the sky.

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said early this week that his team should test Johnny Sexton early on. The visitors have yet had a chance to do that, though only 120 seconds have ticked by. Ireland turning over ball and winning the early penalty, but it's all pretty even early on.

Toot! We're off. Camille Lopez kicks towards Simon Zebo and the winger calmly gathers.

Spine-tingling singing from the Irish. If it were an episode of The Voice, which this isn't of course, all four judges would have hit the big button.

The anthems are now over, let's lose ourselves in live sport.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

PA

"Joe Schmidt will not be getting ahead of himself. He will be wanting to establish a winning mentality in his side, but will not be looking too far ahead and at the World Cup."

The brass band finish playing World in Union, Mathieu Bastareaud looks skywards and then La Marseillaise is pumped around the ground. French flags are flying, Les Bleus are singing...

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"You're looking for gaps, spotting the weakness. If you look at Ireland's set up, they will try to work unbelievable well off set pieces, to try to score a try off three or four phases."

Speedy Spedding

BBC Sport

Who are France's danger men? They have the force of Mathieu Bastareaud and the artistry of Wesley Fofana, but Scott Spedding has already made an impression in his four-cap career. Last weekend, he was behind only England's Mike Brown as the player to have gained more territory on the opening weekend.

Vote for the best Number 10

After some impressive performances so far we're asking who is the best Number 10 this season? Just select your choice in the vote on the right, or enter via twitter, by tweeting #Sexton, #Ford, #Biggar, #Russell or #Lopez to @bbcrugby.

The vote will close at the end of Ireland v France, with the results announced on the Forum which follows. Click here for terms & conditions.

Ireland on a roll

Reuters

The French team trot out onto the pitch and Ireland quickly follow, entering the arena to a ear-piercing din. Pyrotechnics, whooping and yelling...

Ireland are on a roll, of course, but we should add that France have yet to lose at the Aviva Stadium, winning two and drawing one. Oh, this match is too close to call.

Ireland formidable under Schmidt

BBC Sport

If we're talking history, Ireland haven't a great record against the French, but under Joe Schmidt they have become tough cookies to beat - or, in the words of Philippe Saint-Andre, formidable - with the New Zealander winning 13 of his 16 Tests in charge.

Ireland are favourites - Saint-Andre

Getty Images

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre: "We did some good stuff against Scotland but we didn't score. This is a tough place to come and I will be looking to see how this side react. I don't think the World Cup will be affected by this match. That will be a different competition but this match is very important for us. Ireland are favourites, but with the French team you never know."

Team news

Changes to the Ireland team which beat Italy, with Lions trio Sexton, Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip returning. Just the one change for France, prop Eddy Ben Arous replacing the injured Alexandre Menini.

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

Replacements: 16-Sean Cronin, 17-Cian Healy, 18-Martin Moore, 19-Iain Henderson, 20-Jordi Murphy, 21-Isaac Boss, 22-Ian Madigan, 23-Felix Jones.

France: 15-Scott Spedding, 14-Yoann Huget, 13-Mathieu Bastareaud, 12-Wesley Fofana, 11-Teddy Thomas, 10-Camille Lopez, 9-Rory Kockott; 1-Eddy Ben Arous, 2-Guilhem Guirado, 3-Rabah Slimani, 4-Pascal Pape, 5-Yoann Maestri, 6-Thierry Dusautoir, 7-Bernard Le Roux, 8-Damien Chouly

Replacements: 16-Benjamin Kayser, 17-Uini Atonio, 18-Vincent Debaty, 19-Romain Taofifenua, 20-Loann Goujon, 21-Morgan Parra, 22-Remi Tales, 23-Remi Lamerat.

Returning trio can add spark - Schmidt

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt on the return of Jonathan Sexton, Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip: "I think they can galvanise the group and bring a little experience out there. There are always concerns over fitness until you get down to match day, but they were very keen to be involved and in the context of the championship now is a good time to bring them in."

Sexton was knocked out cold by Mathieu Bastareaud last year, but still scored 17 points at the Stade de France to help write a fairytale ending for Brian O'Driscoll.

Four bouts of concussion in a year led to a 12-week break for the outside-half, but he's now back and Sexton won't let a behemoth like Bastareaud trouble him this afternoon, will he?

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

On Philippe Saint-Andre's claim that "you never know what to expect from France": "You don't want your coach to say things like that! It is the total stereotype of French rugby but you want your coach to be focused."

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"Ireland are averaging three tries a game. France are still a formidable team, but averaging one try a game. Ireland have moved on well and in Joe Schmidt they have the outstanding coach in world rugby."

PA

Hello, Aimee here. Mike is taking a well-deserved breather after that try-fest.

So, will they target him? Won't they? Should we expect crosshairs on Jonathan Sexton's shirt? Yes, says France's head coach. No, says their captain. The Ireland outside-half, usually a sharp-shooting marksman himself, is back in the firing line, stepping on to a rugby pitch for the first time in 12 weeks. How will he and his team fare?

Player reaction

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England's George Ford, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live, says: "It wasn't a complete performance. We started poorly and we have to sort that out, but Italy are a good team and have some brilliant players. It takes time to break them down and that's what you saw happen.

"We didn't start the game with a great attitude in defence but we got the ball, upped the intensity and kept upping the score.

"We're delighted to get two wins out of two but we have lots of things to work on and it will be a hard game in Dublin."

On his Bath and England team-mate Jonathan Joseph, Ford added: "Playing with JJ week in, week out, I see it all the time so for him to do it on the international stage is brilliant for him. If you give him the ball in a bit of space then he is lethal."

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

"Jonny May made a defensive error last week, he made a couple today. If one person is under pressure I believe it could be Jonny May."

He also made a few mistakes with ball in hand, wrecking some clear openings. He has got pace, but the decision-making is open to question.

Carlo Del Fava

Former Italy lock on BBC One

"For Italy, I think there were less errors than last week's game, but more intensity and more ambition. The kicking from hand to relieve pressure, they only did it in the last 15 minutes of the game. They need to do more of that.

"The penalty kicks, it's horrible. It's an area they seriously need to look at."

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Jonathan Joseph, England's man of the match: "It's going great. It's great to get the win today. The boys showed great spirit to come back and get the win. Defensively, we weren't disciplined enough and we allowed them to get on top of us. We sorted that out and were better in the second half.

On playing on the wing: "It's always disruptive, but we work in the week for that to happen. We're comfortable in change of positions and it went well today."

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Robert Anderson: Strange game- Italy quite good, England pretty poor. But England win by 30!

Robert Clarke: Jonathan Joseph serious talent. Why has it taken Lancaster so long to recognise? Finally some guile at Centre

Matt Brown: We have been average at best. Very poor in defence and our set piece was poor. But we still put 47 points on the board and won

AFP

England head coach Stuart Lancaster: "It was a soft try we conceded first up. At half-time we give them a rev up, said we needed to up the intensity, and I think we did that in the second half.

"We were a little bit off on the back of last week, but we need to be better than that. Slightly disappointed that we didn't do a bit better but I'm really pleased for Jonathan Joseph. He's having a great season so far and I'm delighted for him."

Lancaster next opponents Ireland: "It's going to be a massive game. It'll be a big weekend all round."

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"The game showed the strength England have on their bench. It was not England's best performance but they were comfortably in control. Jonathan Joseph again showed his credentials with his pace and it was a great performance from him.

"Tom Croft charging around looked very physical and he is a player desperately trying to get back into the international frame and back into the starting line-up. Danny Cipriani and Nick Easter both scored tries so the strength in the squad is really growing."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Italy started the game well, finished the game well. For England, Jonathan Joseph was a pleasure to watch but there's more work to do before Ireland."

That meeting in Dublin is clear-the-diary, turn-off-the-phone stuff. Sunday 1 March. 15:00 GMT. Be there.

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John M Butt: Good result for England. Italy gave them challenges so they do not sit on their laurels.

Charles Nurick: Great finish there. Italy have certainly shown plenty of endeavour and could cause other teams some problems

Karl Dyer: Decent win, conceding three tries is a bit worrying. Still need to start faster too

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

"Six tries, good performance in that stat. England are going to be disappointed to allow three in but I'm pleased for Jonathan Joseph, carrying on his good form. There's lot to improve on."

A cracking stat for you courtesy of John Inverdale on BBC One.

Nick Easter, at 36 years 183 days, has become the oldest man to score a Test try for England by crossing today.

Full-time

BBC Sport

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

AFP

"In a fractured performance by England, one man has stood out - Jonathan Joseph. Superb feet, ambition throughout the game and he's timed his runs well."

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Italy got the ball wide to Luca Morisi, who has had a great game, he dropped his shoulder hard into Jonny May and it's a try. Jonny May has not had his greatest game."

Try

AP

A slashing break from Giulio Bisegni, a deft offload from Andrea Masi and a barging run from Luca Morisi. Some lovely stuff from Italy.

Nothing that Jonny May will want to see again though. The Gloucester man was shrugged off far too easily by Morisi.

Try review

Italy look like they do have a score! Nothing much wrong with that from my angle....

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a brilliant recovery from Anthony Watson. Luke McLean spotted the space between Watson and Jonny May but great work from Watson."

Italy are finishing the stronger, but the consolation score proves elusive. Luke McLean chips deftly over the top, Tommaso Allan gathers but can't get away the offload that would allow George Biagi to flop over.

Still Italy keep rumbling away, phase after phase...

Billy Vunipola has had a good second half and he is to the fore as England keep repelling Italy's advances around their 22-metre line.

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Steve Pearce: Cipriani starts the move and finishes in style, that was a superb try! Now play like that from the start!! #bbc6nations

William Searle: Cipriani and Easter on the scoresheet, someone give Mike Tindall a call #2011

Kieran Morris: What a phenomenally amazing performance from @EnglandRugby !! Only 10 to go now!!

AFP

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Great work at the maul from England. Italy threw everything into it, England kept the ball, created a new maul and Italy ran out of defenders. Both players returning from international exile, Danny Cipriani and Nick Easter, have now scored tries."

Smart work from Mako Vunipola, on for Joe Marler, as he strips the ball from Italian hands. Billy Twelvetrees, also off the bench, tries to catch the Italy back three out by kicking the turnover ball deep, but Luke McLean returns with interest.

England have to work their way out of their own 22-metre line.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Italy try to bring the maul down but they can't because England have players in the right positions."

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Paulo: This is becoming a bit of a one-sided game now. Lovely changes of speed from the England wings and backs

Grant Michael Smith: I've always rated Danny Cipriani, nice to see him deliver

Tom Edwards: Welcome back Danny Cipriani. Yes, it's only Italy, but this England backline can scare anyone. Sheer pace all across it.

Try

After Danny Cipriani's score, it is another of the men redeemed from England's bargain bin who crosses at the back of a driving maul.

Nick Easter is the familiar mug who pops up holding the ball. Italy are tiring quickly.

Cipraini made a hash of a difficult conversion chance by the way.

Turnover in midfield and a corridor of space for Jonny May. He is hauled down just short but England have their foot firmly to the metal.

Ben Youngs off and Richard Wigglesworth on at nine for England.

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

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"The adrenaline would have been pumping for Danny Cipriani and it was good play from England, they created the space and it was a good finish. It has been far from perfect from England but they have created and taken a few chances."

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Former England captain Will Carling: Little things..... No flamboyant celebration from Danny Cipriani. Grown up & focused. Great to see.

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Ben Scanlan: Pleased for @DannyCipriani87: the guy gets a lot of grief, outrageously talented and deserves that try.

Rob Cox: ‏DannyCipriani87 your such a class act. Well taken chance. Let's hope the flood gates open for you now.

Alice ‏First six nations in 7 years and Cipriani scores, whaaat!

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"It's not a bad first touch for Danny Cipriani, is it? All made by Jonny May. He stands his winger up, shows phenomenal acceleration and sees the man inside. Stuart Lancaster will want England to now kick on."

Try

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Danny Cipriani comes on for George Ford - his first Six Nations appearance since 2008 - and less than a minute later he is picking himself up after diving over.

He had the pace to pop up on Jonny May's shoulder after the wing's break and sheer gas is one of the things he brings to a team.

Cipriani almost looks a little sheepish as he scores though. He wants to prove himself as a serious international and that try doesn't do that just yet.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"England's backs did well. That small George Ford dummy allows Jonathan Joseph to pick his line. George Ford taking it flat to the line, the defender can't ignore him."

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"George Ford hid himself behind the scrum, shaping up to go on the blindside. Billy Twelvetrees ran into the heart of Italy and held the ball for Ford who allowed Joseph to run off the shoulder. He has a fantastic turn of pace and Italy had sold themselves and there was no recovery. England are now in complete control."

Try

AFP

A first-phase score from up near halfway. You don't get many of those to the Test.

George Ford shows good nerve to wait for Jonathan Joseph to appear on his shoulder as the Italy defence thunder up at him.

Joseph's pace and angle cut the Italy defence to ribbons and he is in unopposed.

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"With ball-in-hand, England have not got out of second gear. They need far more accuracy and penetration."

OptaJonny: Ben Youngs has ended a run of 21 games without a try for England. Patience.

Time to make a change in the England front row.

Tom Youngs replaces Dylan Hartley at hooker while Kieran Brookes relieves Dan Cole.

Penalty

Andrea Masi spills on his own 22-metre line, a team-mate fails to roll away and England have another gimme penalty right in front.

George Ford does the business and England could coast it from here.

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Matt Smith: HAHAHA Ben Young just caught Italy out sleeping. Another great try and now a 15 point lead for England!

Tim Riggs: score line is looking a bit better - but still a little scrappy

William Ogle: Seriously, who DIDN'T see that try coming? Was anyone in the Italy team paying attention?

BBC

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BBC Radio 5 live's Ed Marriage: Biggest round of applause of the day as Mike Brown appears to sit on the bench. Great news.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"That was good, quick thinking by Ben Youngs but, to be honest, international teams should concentrate better than that. The Italian coaching team will be furious. It's difficult to blame the forwards, who are just getting up from the scrum, but the backrow should do better."

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Well done Ben Youngs. We didn't want to see three or four collapsed scrums before the referee gave a penalty try. Youngs took matters into his own hands. He tapped the ball and walked through for a simple try."

Try

AP

The scrum disintegrates, the referee awards the penalty and Ben Youngs spots his chance - tapping and going before most of the Italian pack have worked out what the initial decision was.

Simple conversion for George Ford and suddenly the scoreline looks a lot healthier for England.

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Noel Krohn: Great try from the Italians, England too slow, forwards are awesome but balls not moving out quick enough

Ian: Too many errors from England in defence and if Italy had a kicker we could be in real trouble.

Ewan Murray: If Italy had a kicker they'd be in the lead!! #bbc6nations England should win, but they've been shoddy.

England are straight back onto the front foot as Italy miss their man at the line-out.

Scrum five England with Nick Easter on in place of Dave Attwood.

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AP

Former England captain Will Carling: Italy have had a real cutting edge in attack. Inventive and clinical. Well-worked try

Former England centre Will Greenwood: Great Try Italy... Thank goodness the pens and conversions not going over... Englandnot so fussed about points difference anymore

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"England were all over the place once they lost possession. England are looking ragged. What I expected from them was absolute precision matched with intensity but we haven't seen it so far."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"That was a tremendous individual effort. Luca Morisi had the presence of mind and speed to make the line. What a tremendous moment for him."

Try

A pearl of a try and Italy probably deserve it for a creditable first half rather than a slow start to the second.

Leonardo Sarto chipped, chased and gathered down one wing and was only just halted by the cover.

Italy work the ball back the opposite way and Luca Morisi spots a hole between Joe Marler and Dave Attwood and is through like the proverbial rat up a drainpipe.

He crosses on all fours as Anthony Watson's tap-tackle takes his legs but not his momentum. Kelly Haimona misses another presentable kick on the conversion.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"It's important for Italy to keep with the ambition they had in the first half. If they play an attritional game, they need to have a kicker that's going to put over every points available and they haven't got that."

AP

It has not been a bubbling atmosphere at Twickenham and referee John Lacey is not helping.

The official is getting fussy over the setting of a scrum and no-one pays £60 upwards to watch that...

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"England are moving the point of attack and not just putting the ball into George Ford's hands. They are forcing Italy to take more chances in the break-down. Hopefully the referee will not let Italy stack up the penalties. He gave them a warning at the end of the first half."

Penalty

England have started this half in much more business-like fashion. No messin' hitting-up chews up the territory and Italy infringe to allow George Ford to tickle over a straightforward penalty.

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Steve Jones: Is Joseph a graduate of the Jason Robinson academy of sidestepping? #ENGvITA #bbc6nations

John Roberts: In my imagination even as a 21 stone prop, I used to run as fast as johnathan joseph. Great try #bbc6nations #6Nations

Sarah: Spending my valentines with 15 rugby players!! ...C'mon England!! #bbc6nations #ENGvITA

Oh, that was a waste from Jonny May.

Billy Vunipola, who has started the half well, blasting away around the fringes, won't thank him for a nothing-much nudge that runs harmlessly over the dead-ball line to relieve the pressure on Italy.

May has yet to shine.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

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"They're not having the control they had against Wales. I expect them to come out good in the second half and we'll see a lot more of George Ford and Ben Youngs."

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Former England captain Will Carling: This half England need to start with the edge. A sharp start and they can control the game

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"There will have been some harsh words in the England dressing room as there were a couple of soft turnovers and much more accuracy is needed. They need to do what they did last week and significantly up the tempo."

You can see the three first-half tries at the top of this page by the way. Click on the highlights tab and drink em down.

BBC

The kick-off is safely gathered in by the Italian pack with Sergio Parisse taking the ball into contact.

Kelly Haimona puts his instep through the back of the ball to clear his lines. Line-out England up on the Italy 10-metre line.

A flash of firework - still some way short of the Millennium Stadium standard - and the two teams are back out on the Twickers baize.

George Ford to get us going...

BBC Sport

Will Simon Le Bon Save a Prayer for Italy or is he now cheering for England's Wild Boys. Duran Duran's twitter account has just tweeted: Le Bonz and friends were the guests of Carlo Checchinato & the Italian rugby team at the England v Italy match today!

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

AP

"Jonathan Joseph has just carried on from last week. Once he's in the space, he's going away from players and it's just a well-taken try. He's playing with confidence and any opportunity Jonathan Joseph is taking it. You cannot beat pace."

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"England will be frustrated that they couldn't convert their last chance at the end of the first half. Mike Brown's injury is a concern and they had to reshuffle, but they have handled that well.

"All credit to Italy for creating the opportunity for the opening try when Luca Morisi broke through three tackles. It has been good energy from the start from Italy but now they are tiring and giving away penalties.

"If they go down to 14 men then England will take advantage of that. Although England haven't had much possession, they have looked sharp when they have had the ball."

Lewis Moody

Former England captain on BBC One

"Italy scored a great try, but England tackling in the first half... the intensity that was so key against Wales has been missing."

Carlo Del Fava

Former Italy lock on BBC One

"The attacking style of rugby and the ambition, that is exactly what Italy need going into this game."

News from touchline reporter Sonja McLaughlan who reports that Mike Brown - taken off early in the half after a blow to the head - is doing well. He is still at the stadium and is undergoing the concussion protocol, but is feeling "fine".

Half-time

BBC Sport

It is Italian shouts of celebration rather than English at the end of the rolling maul.

The visitors flooded in behind England's attempted shove over and forced them back and the turnover.

Successive penalties in the Italy 22-metre and George Ford kicks for the corner on both.

The crowd approve and Italy are out of strikes. Another infringement and ref John Lacey will be walking under the sticks to award a penalty try...

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Former England captain Will Carling: Johnny May - use the overlap. BASICS! selfish play

It might not matter today, but England will have to make those sort of chances stick come World Cup time.

Billy Vunipola's canter down the blindside gives England momentum and men over, but Jonny May butchers the chances, stuttering inside when a pass outside would have put one of three team-mates into the corner.

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

AFP

"When England have kept the ball for more than two or three phases they look very dangerous but Italy are resolute and they have managed to get hold of the ball and frustrate England."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"I think it was a wrong decision to go for the penalty. If they could have put that ball deep into territory, put the pressure back on England..."

Missed penalty

Another penalty chance for Italy as Chris Robshaw realises that his side are getting the rough side of John Lacey's whistle at the breakdown.

It is further out and Kelly Haimona's attempt flops well short...

Missed penalty

Great defensive work from James Haskell as he covers the ground excellently to get his mitts on rumbling replacement Samuela Vunisa.

The Wasps man is pinged a few seconds later however, an offside that looked questionable. It seemed the ball was knocked out of a team-mate's hand rather than a deliberate off-load.

Kelly Haimona screws a decent penalty chance wide of the right upright.

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Luca Morisi carried the ball into the midfield strongly for Italy, but Billy Twelvetrees held him up and forced the turnover.

"Dan Cole used the ball well, as did Luther Burrell and Jonathan Joseph used his out-and-out pace to finish it off. It was good defensive work from England to create the turnover."

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AFP

BBC Radio 5 live's Alastair Eykyn: Pure class from Joseph. Living up to the hype. Just brilliant.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Two or three times Jonathan Joseph has been trying to cut loose. Lovely footwork. England have been waiting for creativity like this, and it was a Chris Robshaw turnover which started the whole thing."

Try

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Dreamy stuff from Jonathan Joseph as he channels the spirits of former Bath centre Jeremy Guscott, floating outside Kelly Haimona, standing up Leonardo Sarto with the suggestion of a pass out to Anthony Watson and then scampering in under the posts instead.

Manu Tuilagi? Sam Burgess? And the rest? You might be playing for one World Cup centre spot.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"If I were Italian I wouldn't be very happy with that. It was questionable. Nevertheless, England take the lead and, from their point of view, the last 10 minutes have been very good."

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"The tip of the ball just touched the ground. But it came from a probing kick from Ben Youngs, Jonny May forced the penalty and a good kick from George Ford into the corner and England have their first try."

Try

AFP

The video official decides that he can see a sound grounding amid the limbs and lines. It must be like one of those magic eye posters, because I couldn't. Even when I squinted.

Anyway it stands. And George Ford can't make the extras from way out wide.

Italy direct your complaints to one George Ayoub of Argentina on VHS duty.

Try review

Billy Vunipola on a runaround at the front of the line-out. The bulldozing number eight has James Haskell for company and only the Italy scrum-half Edoardo Gori in front of him. Sergio Parisse just about gets across as well...

Have they shoved him out? The video official will decide.

Jonny May, socks down around mid-shin, runs an aimless Luke McLean kick back at Italy. The blue line holds firm, but Mauro Bergamasco infringes around the wreckage. George Ford wallops the kick into the corner, right into the corner. He had about a foot to play with there...

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"If England can hold on to the ball for long periods then there's no doubt that they will score points."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Both Ben Youngs and George Ford are taking the ball flat and it's important they do that. Stuart Lancaster will be happier with the passages of play he's just seen. England just need to execute the half chances they're starting to create."

Penalty

AFP

England gradually build back towards the Italy line. Kelly Haimona rolls back on Ben Youngs foot at the base of a ruck and that is clear penalty.

It is meat and drink for George Ford from the tee. Bang in front and less than 30m to fly and he makes no mistake.

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BBC Scrum V: Italy have scored at least 1 try in all 10 previous trips to Twickenham - Parisse keeps that record going!! #ENGvITA

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Neil Wallington: I certainly wasn't expecting this. The Italians have come out with a point to prove.

Amy: England need to work on their start game. Two poor starts to both Wales & Italy game. Here's hoping for another win though!!

Andrea Pagani: We are not playing bad today!!! Come on Italy!!!

Interception! George Biagi snares a careless Anthony Watson pass. There are acres for the Italy second row to run into, but he does not have the legs to take advantage of the clear route to the line.

If it had gone to one of the Italy backs, they would have been in under the sticks.

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Former England centre Mike Tindall: Hope Mike Brown is ok. For me Cipriani should be on at 15, less shuffling in back line.

That was the "point of difference" the "X-Factor", the "razzmatazz". Anthony Watson beats three defenders with twinkle toed footwork and a spurt of pace. Only just hauled down and England are now deep in Italy territory...

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Before the game, one thing I couldn't figure out is what they would do if Mike Brown went off.

"I would have put Danny Cipriani straight at full-back. He has played there before and the entire back line would stay the same. He hasn't played full-back this year for Sale but you keep five players in their positions. What will England learn about Billy Twelvetrees and Luther Burrell they they didn't already know?"

Reuters

Mike Brown is carted off, conversing with the England medical staff as he goes.

Play restarts with a scrum which the England pack monster. Referee John Lacey penalises the backpedalling Italians and George Ford bangs the clearing kick away from the danger zone.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"The Italians have varied their attack a lot. Mike Brown is slightly caught out of position, it's a lovely chip kick. Mike Brown has done exceptionally well to get there but the Italians are asking questions of the English defence."

Getty Images

Neck brace on and stretcher underneath him, Mike Brown is still being treated on the pitch. We will let you know as soon as we know more about his injury.

Billy Twelvetrees is going to come on in his place, with Anthony Watson dropping back to 15 and Jonathan Joseph on the wing.

The two teams are doing drills and stretches to keep warm through the lengthy delay.

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a clash of heads after the chip ahead and Mike Brown dived full length, brave as he is. But his head made a real strong connection with Andrea Masi's shoulder. If you wanted a test of the concussion protocols then it's now.

"As a former player, there's a difference between a bang on the head when everything is a bit fuzzy for a few seconds and a dangerous situation when you are not in control of your senses."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"When Mike Brown went for that ball, as soon as he went down he didn't move from his position. You can see he's bleeding from the nose. I would hope that if there's any doubt he won't return, for his own benefit."

Getty Images

Mike Brown's head took the full force of Andrea Masi's shoulder as he attempted, in vain, to get to Kelly Haimona's teaser of a chip.

The Quins full-back is laid out flat, moving, but only gingerly and there is blood trickling from his nose.

The medical bods are understandably taking their time over this one. Clock off.

Lovely stuff from Italy.

Kelly Haimona chips off the outside of the boot and Andrea Masi stretches to gather behind the England defensive line.

England defence at six and sevens... but spared as Italy knock on from Masi's offload.

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AP

Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson: Another rubbish start for England. Bodes well for another win then...

More enterprise from Italy as they continue to work through the phases and spread the ball wide.

They is plenty of heft behind the charges of Kelly Haimona and Leonardo Ghiraldini as well.

Billy Vunipola fails to roll away and Haimona takes Italy up to the England 22-metre line. They claim the line-out as well...

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Jon Salinger: Don't panic, this is what happened last week @EnglandRugby and we know what the final score was.

Richard Utting: Strong start from Italy. Sloppy start from England. Need to approach every game like the Wales game.

Paul Felgate: If anyone needed reminding that this was never going to be a just turn up and win match then that was it.

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Twickenham has slapped itself back to its collective senses after the shock of the opening score.

"Swing Low" echoes around the old place, but Italy are the ones with the rhythm in their hips.

Kelly Haimona, who looked out of his depth against Ireland last weekend, skirts around George Kruis after faking to kick.

Nice. Real nice.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"It's a deserved try. It was a great run by Luca Morisi, making a lot of ground. Mike Brown made a choice to go on his outside and probably made the wrong one. England were too narrow."

Paul Grayson

Former England fly-half on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's an amazing start. Italy kept the ball for three or four phases and Parisse is a giant of a man and carried Billy Vunipola over the line."

Try

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It all came from Marco Bortolami's steal off the top.

Italy ran the ball at an England backline set up for attack with Luca Morisi gobbling up ground.

Ball recycled and it is Captain Marvel, Italy's talisman Sergio Parisse who crossed the final ten metres, a little sniff of a dummy sending Anthony Watson and Mike Brown chasing off towards the touchline before he dived over.

Kelly Haimona is close but fails to light up the conversion cigar.

Leonardo Ghiraldini is having a bad day at the line-out oche.

Two line-out throws so far from the Italy hooker and both have been pinched by white shirted jumpers.

But it looks like it is catching. Dylan Hartley's first effort is stolen and Italy have front-foot ball...

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Tameena Hussain: I love our national anthem! Also love how the players sing with passion. Come on England! #ProudToBeBritish

Neil Wallington: Our opponents today, but I would never deny that the Italian national anthem is pretty stirring stuff.

Matt Truman: It's Saturday afternoon, must be time for #bbc6nations Rugby! Slightly less tense then last Friday I suspect!

Kick-off

Safely gathered by England's forwards, but Ben Youngs almost puts Geroge Ford in a spot of bother with a duff pass that skims off the greasy surface before finding the fly-half's palms.

Ford booms the kick up towards the ten-metre line.

England belt out God Save the Queen. Dylan Hartley, who went to school with Kelly Haimona in New Zealand apparently, has his eyes shut in concentration.

Italy to kick off through Haimona...

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There really are a lot of words to learn if you want to sing the Italian national anthem.

And you really do want to sing it if you are lining up next to Martin Castrogiovanni before a Test.

Kelly Haimona, New Zealand born, seems to have done his homework.

Top tacklers on display

BBC Sport

England captain Chris Robshaw received much credit for his uncompromising tackling against Wales - but Italy's Francesco Minto was also impressive in defence against Ireland and his tally of 24 tackles puts him in the top five for most tackles in a Six Nations game.

Lewis Moody

Former England captain on BBC One

"Stuart Lancaster has given Chris Robshaw his blessing that Chris is going to be his captain into the World Cup and we've seen how he's developed as a leader. Look at the stats he delivers - 26 tackles from 26 against Wales. Then, you look at his average tackle rate and he's higher than any other player in world rugby. We've never talked enough about Robshaw as a player and now he's delivering."

Chris Robshaw, tucked up in a burgundy trackie top, leads his England side out.

None of that soft stuff from the visitors by the way. Straight out in short sleeves.

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

"It's a classic, earn the right to go wide. Do it the England way. England did it extremely well last Friday and they need to do exactly the same this afternoon."

Sergio Parisse, grim-faced, trots his team out onto the Twickenham surface.

Italy are greeted with polite applause. Polite, or a little condescending? I'm not sure that the French or Welsh would get the same.

The rain is sprinkling down now by the way. Up-the-jumpers time? I think the home crowd expect a little more ambition than that...

BBC

Lewis Moody

Former England captain on BBC One

"Mauro Bergamasco is just one of those players who has been able to deliver for so long. He's such a wonderful player and it's lovely to see him back on the pitch today."

AP

England head coach Stuart Lancaster: "For the team, I'm delighted for them that they got their rewards against Wales. I felt even at half-time we were controlled and composed but that was last week and we're onto this week I can assure you.

"It's been a good week. We've trained well. It's very much about getting feet back on the ground. I haven't set a target in terms of points, our target is to win the game. I don't think it's going to be a high scoring first half by any stretch."

Team news

Right, as the teams head back inside for a final tape-up and huddle-up, let's look over the cast list...

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

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

Italy: 15-Luke McLean, 14-Leonardo Sarto, 13-Luca Morisi, 12-Andrea Masi, 11-Giovanbattista Venditti, 10-Kelly Haimona, 9-Edoardo Gori; 8-Sergio Parisse, 7-Francesco Minto, 6-Mauro Bergamasco, 5-Marco Bortolami, 4-George Biagi, 3-Martin Castrogiovanni, 2-Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1-Alberto De Marchi

Replacements: 16-Andrea Manici, 17-Matias Aguero, 18-Dario Chistolini, 19-Joshua Furno, 20-Samuela Vunisa, 21-Guglielmo Palazzani, 22-Tommaso Allan, 23-Giulio Bisegni

Lewis Moody

Former England captain on BBC One

"In the last 18 months there's been a lot of strides made to deal with concussion. George North last week highlighted that we may not have got it right yet. If there's any suspicion of concussion a player should leave the pitch and that's what should have happened."

Expect medical teams to be taking no chances around any suspected concussions this weekend. Players will have to name the entire shadow cabinet before being allowed to continue.

Get involved #bbc6nations

Hand the DJ: An epic Eddie Butler voiceover. The #bbc6nations is definitely here. #CarryThemHome

Adam Migdalski: It's not the 6nations until Eddie Butler does an epic voiceover montage #bbc6nations #rugby #CarryThemHome

Hear Eddie's soothing tones and watch BBC One coverage by clicking on the play button at the top of this page. He could tickle trout with those vocal cords.

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

"England's performance last week was so good the expectation has gone through the roof. The tough one for the players is to get their mental preparation right. They've got to forget about next week, as good as it was."

Get involved #bbc6nations

England Rugby

England Rugby: Chris Robshaw gathers eager England at the tunnel exit for the team warm up. Half an hour to KO #ENGvITA #together

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When Italy arrived at Twickenham in 2009, coach Nick Mallet had to work out a solution to having all three scrum-halves injured.

He opted to stick Mauro Bergamasco, usually a flanker, at nine. It was a total car-crash.

The sort of performance that reminds you what a difference 20-odd years of practicing your spin pass makes.

You can see the lowlights in our report on England's 36-11 win.

Mauro is safely back at six today.

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Barbarian hordes. Economic collapse. They played their part, but it seems the collapse of the Roman Empire might have had more to do with some of their centurions developing a penchant for a liquid lunch.

You can't march on pints of the black stuff. Not far anyway...

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We asked you earlier whether you think England are real contenders for the World Cup, keep your texts and tweets coming on 81111 and #bbc6nations

Philip McDonald: This England squad are doing a lot for World Cup chances. Such strength in depth

Andrew Priestley: There's not enough international experience in this England squad to be considered as being genuine World Cup contenders.

England arrive

PA

It is one thing to run out into a wall of 80,000 anonymous fans' white noise, it is quite another to see the paying public right in the pupils.

The difference between a stadium gig and a backroom in a scuzzy pub.

Chris Robshaw's men do their now-usual pre-match routine of disembarking the coach early and walking through the hordes to the changing room.

If that doesn't get the blood up, nothing will.

As well as posting fashion updates from around the ground, BBC chief sports writer Tom Fordyce has also penned an insightful piece looking at the Bath duo of Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson.

They are apparently satisfying the latest middle-management buzzword in the England camp: "Point of difference."

"This, for the uninitiated, is modern rugby's prosaic way of describing what is also known as the X-factor - a sprinkling of stardust, that rare ability to lift us punters off our seats and get our hearts and fists pumping," Tom explains.

@TomFordyce

Careful of the pork pie crumbs and port stains in the West car park my man....

@EnglandRugby

Some serious brow action in both skippers' game face....

BBC Sport

Is it too early to talk about averages after just one weekend of Six Nations rugby? Perhaps. But what the opening weekend does tell us is that England have, so far, been considerably more reliable in the set pieces than Italy.

Six Nations so far

I think we all know what England got up to on the tournament's opening weekend.

Their second-half comeback brought decibel levels plummeting at the Millennium Stadium, secured a 21-16 win over Wales and sent Stuart Lancaster skipping down the tunnel in delight.

What of Italy then? Well, a 26-3 scoreline against Ireland was possibly a little tough on Jacques Brunel's side.

Italy racked up 198 tackles - the fourth-highest in the history of the Six Nations - and looked pretty bullet-proof in defence before Leonardo Ghiraldini was shown a yellow card and, a man down, they started to leak.

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Before you claim with all certainty that this England team, fresh from victory in Cardiff, is the one to beat the southern hemisphere's best in seven months time, take a look at the last England team to face Italy.

Brown; Nowell, Burrell, Twelvetrees, May; Farrell, Care; M Vunipola, Hartley, Wilson, Launchbury, Lawes, Wood, Robshaw, Morgan.

Just five of those players are in today's starting XV.

If serious rugby chat is your bag by the way, why not get on board the @bbcrugby Twitter train?

We are pumping out egg-shaped 140-character gold from there from now on.

To celebrate the fact that Joe Marler (now sadly without a mohawk) and Martin Castrogiovanni (still very much with trademark straggly locks) are scrumming down against each other, we are also looking for your nominations for the greatest hairdos in rugby, past or present.

Here is a lovely picture of French 80s icon Jean-Pierre Rives sporting a claret stripe through his platinum blond top to help get the juices flowing.

By the way, I think that is a clean-kneeded Serge Blanco in the background, looking down his nose at all that messy forwards business.

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Get involved

Social media.

It isn't just for posting pictures of your passed-out mates with pen on their face or laughing at how much Rafael Nadal looks like a large South American guinea pig thing.

It is for serious rugby chat.

So your starter for 10 today: Is this new dawn for England the real World-Cup contending deal?

You can get in touch via, deep breath, #bbc6nations on Twitter, 81111 on text from UK mobiles, the BBC Sport Facebook page and the BBC Sport Google+ .

We are probably the only ones left on Friends Reunited and MySpace as well.

BBC Coverage

BBC Sport

There really is no excuse for not getting your recommended weekly dose of Six Nations on the BBC.

John Inverdale has already done his best Craig David impression, getting a rewind on Ireland legend Brian O'Driscoll's famous hat-trick against France in 2000. Six Nations Rewind was on BBC Two this morning. Highly recommended viewing and already on the iPlayer if you missed it...

Back to the future and England v Italy and Ireland v France are both live on BBC One with BBC Radio 5 live and 5 live sports extra taking to the airwaves from London and Dublin respectively.

We will also have a Six Nations Forum from 19:00 GMT on the Red Button to review the day's action and look out for the Six Nations Catch-Up - the biggest hits, the funniest moments and the best of the weekend's action in an eight-minute blast - online from early on Monday.

Know your history

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The last time the teams met at Twickenham, back in 2013, England finished the match pinned on their own line as Italy came up just short of the converted try that would have tied the match.

The year before in a snowy Rome, Italy lead 15-6 in the second half only to be eventually overhauled 19-15.

Admittedly England handed out a 52-11 thumping in Rome in 2014, but we'll gloss over that for now...

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Chris in white,

Sergio in blue,

Could today be the day,

To end Italy's hoodoo?

(Apologies all.)

BBC

The visitors have lost all 20 of their previous Tests against England, but if your old wizened heart doesn't buy that 15 Italians' love for their county can triumph over Stuart Lancaster's men, then use your head.

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With more wooden spoons than a soup kitchen and wins in the Six Nations as rare as baby pandas, Italy are not feeling the bookmakers' love this morning.

The Azzurri are 1/100 to beat England at Twickenham today.

But if you can't believe in a bit of romance on 14 February when can you?