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.

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

Image source, 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."

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.

Image source, PA

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

Joel Newnham:, external 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."

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.