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

Image source, 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.

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

Image source, 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.

Image source, PA

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

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

Ryan Northwood:, external 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

Image source, 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."

Image source, 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.