Six Nations: England v Scotland

1. England 25-13 Scotland FT - catch up in 'Live Coverage'
2. Wales 23-16 Ireland FT - catch up in 'Live Coverage'
3. Defeat means no Grand Slam for Ireland
4. Wales, Ireland & England can all win title next weekend

Righto, time to load up the team bus and head home at the end of a gruelling afternoon of rugby.

After a good night's sleep though we will be back to bring you France's trip over to Italy. As Sir Clive says, it could get real messy.

Bye for now.

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"Philippe Saint-Andre is under massive pressure. People ask me if I miss the job and while the highs are great, no-one can understand what he is going through now. It is not a good place to be. We can sit here and be flippant about France, but he is under massive pressure. I just worry about the team he is picking. His head is in a noose and, if he loses tomorrow, I'm not sure he will coach France against England."

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"I'd like to see the real France come out tomorrow because so far we have seen nothing from them. I actually see Italy as the favourites tomorrow."

Getty Images

We are heading for a heck of a climax next weekend, but the Six Nations has a habit of serving up last-day drama.

In 2007, a last-minute try from Elvis Vermeulen against Scotland gave France a 46-19 win and took them past the 24-point winning margin they needed to overtake Ireland in the race for the title.

If next weekend can match that we might be talking about the best Six Nations tournament ever...

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"I'm a George Ford fan, but just because he is there, it doesn't mean we shouldn't try someone else - who might even be better. That's why I would have given Cipriani a go. England would have won today if Cipriani and Slade would have played and we would have known about them. Against Ireland or Wales away, I wouldn't have."

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Matthew on Twitter: "With Wales heading to Rome with second choice front row, it will come down to Ireland and England."

Brian Lewis on Twitter: "Perfectly set up for the best three teams, my own view is England by three points in a nerve jangling final five minutes."

Kevin Burch on Twitter: "With Ford playing so well, where does that leave Owen Farrell?"

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"You could go through a whole championship and not see a ball bounce off a post and fall into opposition hands but that is two games in a row it has happened to Scotland. I don't know whether it is poor planning by Scotland but they need to sort that out."

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

"Some of those missed try-scoring opportunities for England were just basic skills."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"If it comes down to points difference for the title, England are going to kick themselves because they had countless chances which should have been put away and given a more comprehensive win."

Northampton and England full-back Ben Foden on Twitter: Well done boys! Always tough against Scotland, they never give up! On to the French now and everything to play for!

Full-time stats

England-Scotland

Tackles made: 130-112

Missed tackles: 16-26

Turnovers conceded: 16-18

Clean breaks: 11-4

Metres made: 549-318

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"It is fascinating next week as England will know exactly what they will need to do to claim the title. Yes they missed chances this week but I'd be more worried if they weren't creating chances at all and just kicking it away."

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

"It's a game that could have slipped away from England so give them credit for turning it round. But it was from the gifts that England gave them that kept Scotland in it.

"George Ford had a great game in the second half and ran the game. This kid is running this England team."

BBC

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Andrew Priestly on Twitter: "There's going to be some great attacking running rugby on show next weekend. Tries mean Championships next Saturday."

Matthew on Twitter: "No matter how good Scotland has been somebody has to finish last in probably the most competitive #6Nations ever."

Chronicle Art on Twitter: "Very disappointed with scotland performance AGAIN."

PA

The Calcutta Cup, the sort of silverware that would grace any Empire-era dinner table featuring sculpted elephants and cobras, is presented to Chris Robshaw.

No signs of the dints and dents left by John Jeffrey and Dean Richards after their 1988 night out.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"That second 20 minutes of the first half was outstanding for Scotland. The contentious Dan Cole possible yellow card was possibly what Scotland needed to get over the line because they didn't get a foothold in the second half."

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Ed Williams on Twitter: "A win is a win, but if @EnglandRugby had converted all their chances it would have been a cricket score surely."

Andy Rush on Twitter: "Good win and great 2nd half from England but still far too many missed chances and points could now be vital."

Sophie Manders on Twitter: "Courtney Lawes man of the match for me every time."

Laura on Twitter: "Went a bit wonky in the first half but great second half. Congrats lads!"

So the final weekend will see England, Wales and Ireland come into matches with three wins and a defeat from their previous four games.

Any one of the three teams could win it.

England, on a points difference of +37, play France at home.

Ireland, on +33, play Scotland away.

Wales, on +12, play Italy away.

Who do you make favourites out of that little lot?

Full-time

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"The English half backs have played well and so have Jack Nowell and Courtney Lawes, whose efforts in the loose and the tight have been tremendous. My man of the match is Ben Youngs, who controlled the game."

Too little, too late. Scotland are parked up in the England 22m with the game lost.

The lesser-spotted Danny Cipriani is going to get a three-minute cameo.

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on BBC One

"For the second game running a penalty that has come off the post has eventually resulted in a try against Scotland. They seemed well set to take it, but didn't tidy it up."

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Noel Krohn on Twitter: "Great work effort from Nowell, #bbc6nations and another try to boot !!"

Kate Shaw on Twitter: "Well done Nowell, feels like he's been desperate to score that try all match."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Nowell did well there because for a moment I thought they had made a mess of another one. But he had the nous to come inside his man and finish."

Try

AFP

That is surely that.

England regather as the ball comes back off the post from George Ford's penalty and, via a nice little offload from Kieran Brookes, England spread the ball wide for Jack Nowell to step inside Dougie Fife and over.

Ford scuff the conversion.

George Ford with a straightforward chance to put the game to bed. But his penalty rebounds off the stick!

England still can't quite cut the jugular. Kieran Brookes knocks on from Tom Wood's offload with his side well set in the Scotland 22m.

Vern Cotter shakes things up in an ability to kickstart his side's attacking heart. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne on at scrum-half, Greig Laidlaw out to fly-half, Finn Russell rides the pine.

Replacement

Johnnie Beattie, whose old man was doing some half-time presentation with Bill Beaumont, gets a run-out for Scotland.

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on BBC One

Getty Images

"Scotland need to put pressure on England, but I do think they have the ability to pick up a loose ball and make something of it. This game is still in the balance."

So a shade over 10 minutes left and seven points to make up.

Are Scotland still in this?

They have not showed up in attack yet this half, but with the likes of Stuart Hogg and Mark Bennett in the backline it will only take them a second to change this game.

More changes. Tom Wood replaces James Haskell on the flank with Richard Wigglesworth getting a go in place of Ben Youngs at nine.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Jack Nowell has made so much ground in this game that when he has got his opposition winger in a one on one with a lot of space, I am surprised he would kick it away."

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AFP

Simon on Twitter: "If England lose the Championship on points difference then they'll rue all these missed opportunities."

Phil Keeling on Twitter: "England are nearly good going forward, but who's coaching the defence?"

What a waste. Wing Jack Nowell opts to punt downfield rather than take up the chance to run at this opposite number.

He could at least make it a good kick. Instead his hoof dribbles apologetically over the Scotland line to be dotted down for the 22m drop-out.

Replacement

Mako Vunipola is on in the front row for England with Fraser Brown packing down for Scotland off the bench.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"I'm not quite sure why Haskell needed to do that. Brown hasn't over-run it."

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Aaron Jones on Twitter: "A mile forward."

Alex Robertson on Twitter: "Seems some England players can't define between a Forward and Backward pass ;)."

No try

That slow-motion replay is doing James Haskell no favours.

It took the flanker an age to get the ball away as he clumsily shifted it to his right hand rather than risk a left-hand pass.

That half-second cost England. His pass, when it comes, is forward and the try chalked off.

Dan Cole looks like he is chuckling at Haskell's mistake on the big screen.

Try review

Mike Brown is sliding in under the sticks, but Roman Poite wants to have another look at the final pass from James Haskell to the full-back...

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Kritt Normsaskul on Twitter: "It's chances like those England have got to put away!"

Simon Trenchard on Twitter: "How many more Trys are @EnglandRugby going to butcher."

PA

Anthony Watson behind the Scotland defensive line. Surely he has got the pace and nous to make it count?

Nope. Some good cover tackling from Scotland and Watson's inability to spot Luther Burrell on his shoulder means the visitors survive unscathed.

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Reuters

Jamie Smith on Twitter: "England have some daylight now & are dominating play."

Mark Webster on Twitter: "If only Jack Knowell could stand up and catch."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Great distribution initially but another chance goes begging! Tom Youngs does the hard work and then doesn't slow it down to wait for support, which also makes the pass easier."

He used to be a centre you know.

Tom Youngs shows some of those skills with a lovely line and some good pace, but the way he flings the ball to ground is pure front row.

Another chance goes begging and Scotland are still within a converted score.

Replacement

Adam Ashe replaces David Denton at eight for Scotland, while Geoff Cross in on for Euan Murray at prop.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Apart from two very brief occasions, England have been in Scottish territory in this half. Ben Youngs is varying what he does from the base well, which creates indecision in Scotland's defence."

England's momentum is checked by some terrific scavenging by Blair Cowan. The Scotland flanker clamps down over the top and won't be shifted by Courtney Lawes' dynamite clear-out.

England are looking to kill this off now. A lovely mispass from Jonathan Joseph gives Jack Nowell the space to make yards and take lay into the Scotland 22m.

Replacement

AP

Changes for England as Tom Youngs replaces Dylan Hartley at hooker and Geoff Parling makes his comeback in place of Dave Attwood.

It is. A routine slot for the England fly-half.

Rob Harley is pinged for taking out Courtney Lawes in the air at the line-out. Looked a bit rough on the Scotland flanker that.

George Ford is lining up a kick, just outside the 22m and off on a slight angle. Should be three points...

BBC

Replacement

Scotland are forced into a change in the engineroom. Jim Hamilton trots off wearily to be replaced by Tim Swinson.

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Jordan Robertson on Twitter: "Brilliant start to the second half by England! Direct and aggressive."

James Studwick on Twitter: "Great try from Ford to start the second half!"

Just like the first half, Scotland are getting a battering in the opening minutes of the second.

Fortunately for the visitors, England are similarly wasteful. Jack Nowell spills forward with a yawning gap in front of him and Ben Youngs delayed pass aimed right at his mitts.

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PA

Laura Verrill on Twitter: "Years!! @George_Fordy!! Excellent!!"

Ryan Gent on Twitter: "Boom!!!!"

Mick Murray on Twitter: "That's more like it boys!!!"

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"For all we talked about England missing chances in the first half, we may have forgotten about Scotland playing well. Now they need to do that again."

Try

AP

Whisper it quietly, but there is the whiff of a young Dan Carter about George Ford.

His natural instinct is invariably the right option and the England fly-half chooses exactly right as he hangs onto the ball, selling Rob Harley a dummy, to open up a path to the try line, which he has the pace to take.

A straightforward kick to add the extras.

Jack Nowell makes the first break of the second half, cutting inside Mark Bennett before the Scotland centre gets back at him and hauls him down.

There are plenty of tries in this.

England pressing and with the penalty advantage...

Kick-off

George Ford boots the second half into life.

A change for Scotland by the way. Matt Scott off and Greig Tonks on on the wing.

Teams back out.

Brace yourself. This rugby, but not as we have known it.

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Lewis Moody

Former England captain

"What the hell has happened? All Scotland at the minute. Stuart Lancaster will be ripping his hair out."

Former England centre Will Greenwood on Twitter: Mark Bennett, since I first saw him, reminds me of the great Allan Bateman..

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"England's concentration just seemed to disappear. It was almost like they started to play sevens. They need to be careful out there or they could end up with real egg on their face."

Half-time stats

England-Scotland

Tackles made: 71-45

Tackles missed: 11-12

Turnovers won: 3-3

Penalties conceded: 6-4

Carries: 50-72

Offloads: 9-8

Metres made: 275-229

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

Reuters

"From an England point of view, to blow one chance in a half is acceptable, two is careless, three is unforgivable, and four, well..."

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"After five minutes I feared the worst but credit to Scotland for starting to hold onto the ball and create their own chances. They have played very good rugby in the last 20 minutes of that half.

"Stuart Hogg has made three try-saving tackles - we have seen his attacking ability in the first three games of the championship and now we have seen his defensive side."

Rugby statisician Stuart Farmer on Twitter: "For the first time since 1989 @Scotlandteam lead at half-time at Twickenham!"

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Peter Churchhill on Twitter: "England are far too wasteful of attacking opportunities. They should have been out of sight after 10 minutes."

JavelBleach on Twitter: "Was expecting #Eng to go for points diff & be 25 ahead by now! Saving #SCO's praises till 80 mins though."

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"You'd be going nuts in the changing room now with all those chances. But well done Scotland for coming back into it. Hogg, Gray and Denton have been absolutely world class out there."

Neither coach will be happy with what they have seen, but that is the most ridiculously entertaining half of international rugby I have seen in an age.

If Wales v Ireland was Saving Private Ryan, this has been Looney Tunes.

Cartoon rugby with defences nowhere.

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BBC

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Alex Metzger on Twitter: "What the hell is happening with England today? This is the worst England team today!"

Kritt Normsaskul on Twitter: "Scotland have brought their A-game. Going to be a tight game, right down to the wire."

Half-time

Getty Images

Penalty

What a scoreline.

Somehow Scotland are ahead when it seemed they were in for a slaughtering.

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on BBC One

"From the phases, there is a trend developing in this game; there is space for Scotland to attack out wide."

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Alex Robertson on Twitter: "I am so proud of Scotland right now. Proving that England aren't the "invincible" team they think they are!."

Danny Till on Twitter: "England should be 20+ points ahead but poor finishing costing us again."

Who said modern rugby was boring?

Again Scotland cut England to ribbons as Tommy Seymour takes an inside ball at pace. Mike Brown gets him by the bootlaces, before Stuart Hogg breaks out the champagne with a slapped onwards pass.

Play called back for a Scotland penalty anyway...

A glimmer for Scotland, especially with the ball in Stuart Hogg's hands with space in front of him. But the full-back's chip ahead for Tommy Seymour is a little over done and Mike Brown tidies up.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"Good work at the breakdown by Robshaw. The complaint has been about him that he does not create turnover ball; it wasn't true in the Wales game and it isn't today."

Scotland are again looking dangerous in the England 22m, but that is captaincy by example from Chris Robshaw getting the breakdown before anyone else to secure a turnover.

Joe Marler has made an enemy in Roman Poite. The England prop is pinged for a second time for not driving straight.

He disagrees rather than apologises. Which was not the smartest diplomacy.

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Getty Images

Jay Neale on Twitter: "Scotland fired up! England napping!"

John M Butt on Twitter: "if the 6nations was decided on missed chances England would be streets ahead."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"It was a forward pass. There is no point people booing. However that was the type of supporting play England need."

Twickenham celebrates as Anthony Watson streaks away and under the posts, but they have not spotted Roman Poite.

The French referee has correctly called George Ford's pass to Luther Burrell forward.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"I'm surprised that wasn't a yellow card. Whatever Dan Cole says, he knows that Greig Laidlaw has five seconds to get that out. Irrespective of that, Scotland should have scored a try as they had a two on one."

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Llewelyn M-Moore on Twitter: "Fair play to Scotland but they shouldn't be level - England should be out of sight here."

Andy Donley on Twitter: "Luther Burrell won't get a look in on this squad when Tuilagi is fit and Burgess has acclimatised to union."

James Humberstone on Twitter: "England could have put this game to bed within 20 minutes. Now Scotland are very involved. Poor English finishing."

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Stacy Phillips on Twitter: "Clinical by Scotland. First chance first try. England should be miles away by now. Alas, we are level!"

Penalty

Both of these defences are leaking like an old welly.

England crumble as Scotland spread the ball wide and Dougie Fife snipes up the touchline.

Dan Cole gives away possibly the stupidest penalty you will ever see, blundering in the wrong side, five metres from his own line.

Greig Laidlaw extracts revenge from the tee.

Penalty

Getty Images

England regain the ball off kick-off, earn a penalty and George Ford puts them back in front.

Snap's The Power blares from the Twickers speakers but the hosts should be almost out of sight...

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on BBC One

"That looked like a well-coached try. Scotland knew that England would be drawn in to the tackler from the line-out and executed it very well."

Try

AP

Getty Images

Ruthless from Scotland. Or paper-bag tackling from England?

Probably a bit of both. Mark Bennett swerves inside Chris Robshaw to score as England fail to recover any defensive platform after Jonny Gray's initial break.

The tackling was flimsy like against Italy from England.

A great touchline conversion from Greig laidlaw ensures parity. Incredible.

Scotland with a toehold in the game as Jonny Gray barges into the England 22m...

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

AP

"For all the praise England deserve for looking for and executing line breaks, they really need to take advantage of them."

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on BBC One

"I'm not sure exactly why Scotland are so open today. They haven't been like this in the championship so far. I think the quality of possession England have had means the quality players they possess have been able to take the right option."

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England International Ben Foden: All this England pressure had to pay off soon, need another score!

Will England pay for these missed opportunities?

Given their overwhelming dominance so far, you would think not.

England have already made 259 metres with the ball in hand with less than a quarter of the game gone. If it keeps going at that rate we are looking at a kilometre comes full time.

That is Teddington high street way.

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AP

Arthur Adams on Twitter: "It's gonna be a slaughter and it's only 15mins in."

Andy Burke on Twitter: "Scotland's defence is all over the place. Stuart Hogg has kept them in it with two brilliant last ditch tackles."

England clean through again! But again they fail to convert a great opening!

Jack Nowell this time is tapped tackled to the floor as he lines up numerous options outside him.

A lifeline thrown by Roman Poite.

The French referee decides that Joe Marler is boring in as England scrum down with the put-in five metres out.

It is a crime without a motive. But Scotland will take that decision with gratitude.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"If you want to know what Courtney Lawes does that no other second rows can do, that is an example of it."

Scotland still hanging on by the skin of their teeth.

Stuart Hogg backs up his big pre-match words with a superb scampering cover tackle on opposite number Mike Brown when it seems the Harlequins man is in under the sticks.

But Courtney Laws, up like an exocet, scrags Finn Russell behind his own line before the fly-half can hoof clear.

Scotland are not helping themselves here.

An aimless up-and-under from Finn Russell is claimed by Anthony Watson under zero pressure.

Jim Hamilton does some superb work at the breakdown to scrape the ball back Scotland's way...

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Getty Images

Graeme Hobbs on Twitter: "Great start by @EnglandRugby really good tempo and well taken try."

Scotland are stretched like an old school jumper in defence.

A superb tackle from Dougie Fife snares Jack Nowell as he threatens to get round the outside, but it needs such last-ditch heroics to rein in the hosts at the moment.

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Andy Burke on Twitter: "Scotland look like rabbits caught in the headlights in first five minutes. 7-0 down already. Could be a long day..."

Kritt Normsaskul on Twitter: "Jonathan Joseph got to be in the running for player of the tournament/breakthrough player of the tournament."

The first bit of biff as Blair Cowan takes exception to something said by an England forward, forcibly shoving the words back where they came from.

Scotland need to show a little more of that fight when the ball is life. Roman Poite calms them down.

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"England have started slowly in the first three games but this time the tempo is very good. Once you get a first up defence turning, you have a chance."

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on BBC One

"If the first-up tackle is good then you can slow the ball down. At the moment, England are controlling the tempo. Matt Scott is just out of the line and that creates the space for Joseph to score."

Try

AP

Scotland's defence runs out of numbers and discipline and George Ford spots the dog-leg created by Matt Scott's desperate rush up.

A delayed pass to Bath team-mate Jonathan Joseph opens up a corridor to the line and the centre strolls in.

George Ford converts, by the skin of his teeth. His kick ricochets over off the inside of the upright.

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Introvert Dave on Twitter: "What a first run from England!"

Tom Pavey-Smith on Twitter: "So Luther Burrell clearly can't pass off his left."

England are making inroad off every passage of play. Making huge dents in the Scotland defensive line...

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Owen Parcell on Twitter: "Come on ENGLAND! Wales have done their bit, now it's time to deliver!"

Graham Stothard on Twitter: "Whilst i accept my confidence was misplaced last time, i'm doubly sure we'll win this one. Super doubly sure."

Brian Moore

Former England hooker on BBC One

"England should be seven points up. Creativity from a good drive but when it is reviewed it will look as bad as it did at the time."

Squandered!

Stuart Hogg's excellent tackle on Luther Burrell gets its reward. The England centre's miserable start to the game continues as he blocks a tackler attempting to get to James Haskell on a following phase.

Penalty Scotland and Hogg clears his lines.

AP

England up to within five! A rolling rumble of a maul followed by a burst from Luther Burrell. He should have given it but is tackled just short...

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

Getty Images

"I would like to see Cipriani given a run today. He should have got on against Ireland but I hope he does today. England will run away with it in the second half and win by 20 points."

Kick-off

Referee Roman Poite toots the horn and Finn Russell kicks off. James Haskell gathers safely for England.

Maybe not.

The version of God Save the Queen sounds pretty shrill and tinny from here as well.

Is this pre-match gamesmanship?

A military band bash out a horrible muzak version of Flower of Scotland - far too fast, far too upbeat and totally devoid of the usual dignity and menace.

The Scotland team are at least half a line behind by the end as the try and stick to the normal tempo.

Andy Nicol

Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"Scotland have just got to throw everything at it today and go and play. There was enough in the first two games to see genuine progress but there was no doubt the Italy game was a step back. Today there is no pressure or expectation."

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England Rugby

England Rugby: Captain @ChrisRobshaw gathers his England team at the tunnel entrance. They're aiming for a fast start out there.

It would make a nice change in this year's championship.

Team news

Scotland centre Alex Dunbar is out for up to nine months after injuring knee ligaments in training and is replaced by Matt Scott.

Dougie Fife and Finn Russell also come in, while David Denton and Jim Hamilton are recalled to the pack.

Scotland: 15-Stuart Hogg, 14-Dougie Fife, 13-Mark Bennett, 12-Matt Scott, 11-Tommy Seymour, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Greig Laidlaw; 1-Alasdair Dickinson, 2-Ross Ford, 3-Euan Murray, 4-Jim Hamilton, 5-Jonny Gray, 6-Robert Harley, 7-Blair Cowan, 8-David Denton

Replacements: 16-Fraser Brown, 17-Ryan Grant, 18-Geoff Cross, 19-Tim Swinson, 20-Johnnie Beattie, 21-Adam Ashe; 22-Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 23-Greig Tonks

Team news

England make two changes to the side that lost to Ireland, with full-back Mike Brown and lock Courtney Lawes replacing Alex Goode and George Kruis.

Kieran Brookes, Geoff Parling and Tom Wood return to the match-day squad.

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

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

Rightio, as Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw stares at the light at the end of the tunnel, time to run down the two teams.

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

"Against Ireland, England lacked energy. Courtney Lawes being back in the side will add energy and dynamism to the England team."

Chris Paterson

Former Scotland international on BBC One

"It is crucially important that Finn Russell finds his form immediately after his suspension. He likes to run but he needs to kick well today, because if he doesn't, England will capitalise. It is a game of inches, and Mike Brown will hurt Scotland if Finn Russell does not kick well."

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Tom Fordyce

Chief sports writer at Twickenham

Tom Fordyce

"Wonder who these two Twickenham terrors are supporting?

"Clear skies and fresh hope at Twickenham as news of Ireland's defeat filters through the afternoon air.

"Now that the championship is alive again for England, a contest which had threatened to underwhelm - tickets still available, no Scotland win here in 31 years - now has the sort of bite one should expect from a Calcutta Cup showdown."

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Javel Bleach on Twitter: "Half expecting #Scotland to treat this like a jog in the park ;(. Hope I'm wrong."

Stuart Bowie on Twitter: "Come on Scotland! Can't be doing with another wooden spoon man."

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

"That game just shows you don't need loads of tries to have drama. The physicality was incredible and Wales deserved it."

BBC

1990. 2000. 2006. 2008. But especially 1990.

Scotland's wins over England are the stuff of legend, but the common denominators tend to be Murrayfield and/or pelting rain.

Scotland have a winning record over England in Edinburgh, but have won on only four of 36 visits to Twickenham.

The last time was 1983.

Sir Clive Woodward

Former England coach on BBC One

"The consequences are huge, not just for this tournament. Wales winning that game will give them great momentum and don't forget they are in England's World Cup group. It is great for the Six Nations but I'm not sure it is good for England."

Getty Images

It is that sort of talk that probably lights Stuart Hogg's fire.

The Scotland full-back believes behind the new-age facade of Stuart Lancaster side are the same old English traits.

"They're pretty much all about themselves at times," he told the Daily Mail.

'They don't really respect us and we find that pretty frustrating."

England will be top of the Six Nations table tonight if they beat Scotland by more than eight points.

Forwards coach Graham Rowntree is confident that his boys can do it.

"If we get our game right, then we can win by many," Rowntree replied when asked if he would take a one-point win.

"We are planning for a backlash from Scotland, and they should be planning on one from us."

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Tony Ellis on Twitter: "Good to see Wales finally had plan B. Plan Barnes worked treat. Now can England engage brain as well as heart."

Nath on Twitter: "I feel exhausted after watching the game, can't imagine how the players must feel like after playing in it."

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"The Six Nations is just amazing. The best annual rugby tournament in the world."

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BBC Sport's Bryn Palmer on Twitter: Ireland pts difference now at +33. They go to Murrayfield next Sat. Wales now +12. They go to Rome. England (+25) favourites if beat Scots?

BBC

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BBC Sport's Ben Dirs on Twitter: "What an epic half of rugby, a great example of that old cliche that sport is war in miniature."

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"That is as good a game of rugby as you are going to see. The intensity was amazing. Ireland lacked accuracy but Wales' defence was truly immense. Alun Wyn Jones was magnificent as was Luke Charteris. Ireland wasted a couple of opportunities but Wales as a team of men were magnificent."

Joe Giddens/PA Wire

Wales' players are taking a well-deserved lap of honour and there are plenty sticking around, including George North's other half and world champion track cyclist Becky James, to pay tribute to their performance.

Wales travel to Italy on the final day. If it is going to go down to points difference, Rome is not a bad place to be.

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Michael Smyth on Twitter: "Wales defence was incredible! Sexton and Murray didn't play their best and it showed from Ireland's attack."

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Keith Williams on Twitter: "That was the most physical rugby match I've ever watched - credit to both."

Jonathan Flowers on Twitter: "That was one of the most fantastic intense halves of rugby ever. Congratulations to all the men on the field."

That was stuff to stir the soul.

Hearts, bodies and willpower laid out on the line and Wales sheer bloody mindedness in defence might have just been what swayed it in their favour.

The southern hemisphere boys sometimes look down their nose at the Six Nations. You can't be snooty about that game.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

Getty Images

"Just an amazing game. Defence, attack, recycling of the ball, end to end, an absolutely fantastic game of rugby."

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James on Twitter: "Thank you Wales!!!"

Will on Twitter: "Never thought I'd be so happy for a Welsh win!"

Joe Igoe on Twitter: What an excellent game!!!! Now as long as England can win today, next Saturday will be incredible!!!!

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"Ireland haven't moved the ball much in the championship and just to suddenly turn it on in the cauldron of the Millennium Stadium is not easy to do."

To paraphrase Sir Alex Ferguson: rugby heh? Blinking heck.

Full-time

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

Getty Images

"I felt Ireland lost their shape as they approached the line - that sometimes happens."

Wayne Barnes blows up and it is a scrum Wales. Ireland failed to get it to ground he rules. That is surely the ball game...

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

PA

"It's been a team effort by both teams but I've got to make a choice and I'm going for Sam Warburton as man of the match. O'Connell and Wyn Jones have been immense too."

Stolen! Wales pinch the line-out throw, but Mike Phillips under pressure hoofs the ball out over the dead ball line and it is just another line-out on the five metre line...

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Hats Stanford on Twitter: "Never thought I'd be caught cheering for Wales, but seems there's a first time for everything!"

Kate Shaw on Twitter: "Epic game of rugby for Wales and Ireland. They must be knackered!"

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"I'm glad the clock was stopped because I think Madigan kicked that dead! Everyone was booing because they don't realise Wayne Barnes was assessing Richard Hibbard and the clock was stopped."

Ian Madigan kicks dead as he goes for the corner! No, he doesn't! Wayne Barnes had not restarted play.

Madigan makes no mistake second time around. Ireland with the line-out in the corner...

Sin-bin

Jonathan Davies swats a pass down and forward. Wayne Barnes rules it was deliberate and he sees yellow and will sit out the final stages.

Ian Madigan is on for Johnny Sexton. Can he steer Ireland over the 20m separating them from Wales line?

The first break in play since the half-time oranges as Scott Williams and Cian Healey get treatment for a clash of heads. Play restarts with a Wales put in to the scrum on their own 22m line.

Not straight! Ireland back with ball in hand!

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Andrew Jones Music on Twitter: "Finished with fingers ages ago. Am on the toe-nails now."

Steve Jones on Twitter: "I may be Welsh but Paul O'Connell has had a game deserving of his 100 caps he has been immense."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"That's brilliant play over the ball by Sam Warburton to get the penalty. That might win the game for Wales. Best game of the tournament so far."

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

AFP

"The good thing is that the defence has been ferocious but it has not been a defence-dominated game. It has been a balance and a contest between attack and defence."

Penalty

Reuters

Leigh Halfpenny slots nervelessly.

The equation shifts. Ireland need a converted score for a draw rather than a win.

One small peep, one almighty roar!

Sam Warburton snaffles over the top and secures a kickable penalty for Wales.

Caution has been shoved to the shredder by Ireland.

The men in green are running from everywhere. Replacement prop Sean Cronin pops up on wing and is squashed by Richard Hibbard.

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JavelBleach on Twitter: "OK, now, one more try to win it, #Ireland, C'MONNNN!!!!"

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

Getty Images

"Ireland have dominated the last 15 minutes and have the momentum. Wales need to keep the ball and starve Ireland of possession. Ireland have their tails up and think they can win this."

Replacement

Huge cheers as Johnny Sexton drops a pop pass from Cian Healy and Justin Tipuric pounces on the loose ball.

Jamie Heaslip off and Jordi Murphy on at number eight for Ireland. Wales bring on the beard. Jake Ball replaces Alun Wyn Jones in the second row.

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Will Wright on Twitter: "Am I right in saying that there hasn't been a single pen for holding on? So credit to Barnes for being consistent.."

Adam de Ste Croix on Twitter: "Ireland running the ball now out of necessity and almost scored. Why not play like this from the start?"

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"There is an intensity and accuracy about Ireland in this half that wasn't there in the first half. They have lost the weight off their shoulders they felt in the first half. It is a thriller, and it is just such a shame there are only 10 minutes left!"

Try

Reuters

Paul O'Connell's gamble comes up cherries.

Ireland take the line-out cleanly, Wales go spearing in at knee level to bring down the driving maul and Wayne Barnes marches between the sticks.

Sexton converts.

What a half so far. What a final 10 minutes to come.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"They will not stop coming, the Irish. They still believe they can win this. They've got to try to take the points though - I would have taken the penalty."

Ireland with a decision to make.

Twelve minutes left, 11 points down and a gimme of a penalty on the Wales 22m line.

Paul O'Connell does the maths and decides Johnny Sexton should kick into the corner rather than for the sticks...

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Reuters

Sarah M on Twitter: "Beginning to think we might be able to finish the job.. Come on Wales!"

Jonathan Flowers on Twitter: "Courageous response by Ireland. Can the morale stand that further disappointment?"

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Matt Dawson

Former England scrum-half

#HAHA massive cheer here at Twickers for that try. Come on Wales! #TopMoment"

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Brian Moore

Former England hooker

"In the Ex Internationals bar at Twickenham; first time I've heard a Welsh try cheered."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"What a wasted opportunity by Ireland. The forwards got white line fever when there were men outside. One pass and they have three men over. Schmidt will not be happy with that."

Joe Giddens/PA Wire

Hooves for hands!

With backs queuing up unopposed out wide, Ireland's forwards squander the chance. The ball bobbling forward off Cian Healy as the heavy mob get white-line fever.

What a game.

Ireland are now throwing themselves at the Wales line to try and get a lifeline back into this game...

Five metres out.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

Getty Images

"That will be painful viewing for Tommy Bowe. He showed Scott Williams the inside and you can't do that against that guy. A huge mountain for Ireland to climb now."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Heaslip is committed to Biggar first of all and goes too tight. Scott Williams feints then goes and he is over."

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Jonathan Flowers: TRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRY!

Simon Allsopp: Awesome 10 mins of rugby from both sides c'mon wales

Steve Jones: That is what Scott Williams will give you. Great try

Try

David Davies/PA Wire

Scott Williams scored that decisive try at Twickenham a few years back. This might be just as big in deciding the winners of this year's Six Nations.

The replacement centre sniffs a hole as Tommy Bowe and Jamie Heaslip leave him to each other. That indecision is all Williams needs, diving over with glee.

Leigh Halfpenny screws the conversion wide.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"There will be some tired legs in the last 20 minutes. Very tired legs."

Reuters

The phases are racking up again as Wales bash up to the Ireland five metre following Dan Lydiate's line-out steal...

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"The scramble defence has been immense from both sides."

David Davies/PA Wire

Still on for Wales....

But the chance disappears down the swanny as a pass flies clean over Leigh Halfpenny on the whitewash.

The next try is an absolute monster in determining the outcome of this match.

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BBC Sport's Ben Dirs on Twitter: "That has to go down as one of the most stirring passages of defence ever seen in Cardiff. A 10 ton truck wouldn't have breached Welsh lines."

Alun Wyn Jones counter-rucks to turn over the ball on halfway. Jonathan Davies charges past Simon Zebo out wide.

Give it! No!

Leigh Halfpenny was on his shoulder, but Davies spots him too late.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"There were two phases of defence that lasted over 20 phases - that was incredible by Wales. You ask how much it will take out of Wales, but I wonder how much the disappointment of not scoring will take from the Irish side."

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BBC Sport's Ben Dirs on Twitter: "Wayne Barnes is so prolific with his whistle he should start entering sheepdog trials."

Replacement

Richard Hibbard replaces Scott Baldwin at hooker for Wales. A whole new front row compared to the starting XV for Wales.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

Getty Images

"You have to say incredible play, incredible intensity. Great play by Ireland and by the Welsh defence. But how much will it take out of the Welsh team?"

Both teams heaving with effort. Penalty to Wales! Johnny Sexton off his feet!

Cheered as loudly as any try by the crowd. They know how important that could be.

That will have lactic acid coursing though both sides. There are going to be holes in both defences come the last 10 minutes...

Getty Images

Immense Ireland pressure. Heroic Wales defence. Still the hosts hold out.

This feels like a game-defining period of play.

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Kat:‏ I have little understanding of what's going on in the #bbc6nations #WALvIRE but it's great procrastination

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"That was a great period of Welsh discipline unlike in the first half, when they were giving away penalties after four or five phases."

Penalty Ireland! Wales stray offside. Warren Gatland disbelieving up in his glass box. Ireland kick up to 10 metres out and will go for the drive...

Getty Images

Offensive defence from Wales and Ireland have been forced back to the 22m through the hosts' sheer aggression. Real trench warfare out there.

Up to phase 22 as Jamie Heaslip, and then Peter O'Mahony, blast in around the fringes. Something has to give. It might be Wayne Barnes' patience...

Sam Warburton puts in a big hit on Rory Best, but Ireland still have possession and prime position...

Paul O'Connell galloping like a great diplodocus! Ireland up to within five....

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

AFP

"Some of the accuracy Wales had in the first half is lacking so far in the second. Wales are trying to put a bit more width on the ball but are not really troubling Ireland. Neither side is troubling their opposition with the ball in hand."

Wales started the first half with frenetic energy and almost pedantic accuracy.

They have not managed the same in the second. Rhys Webb's box kick has too much on it and is gathered under little pressure up one of the Ireland back three.

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Getty Images

Jason Watson on Twitter: "Great passion from both teams. Hope Wayne Barnes embraces it in the second half."

Leanne Feeney on Twitter: "First half has been totally embarrassing Ireland sort it out."

Well, this is a lot more entertaining than the pre-match doubters suggested.

Ireland now decide to run the ball from inside their own half. Rob Kearney goes on a mazy little run, before being caged up by red shirts.

Play comes to an end as Rory Best and Jamie Roberts come crunching together skulls first on the touchline and flop out of play. Both up and running. And wincing.

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BBC Sport's Ben Dirs on Twitter: "Ireland were rather caught napping in the early stages, it was like fire and ice out there. But one thing this Ireland can do is grind..."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

Getty Images

"Johnny Sexton's confidence is coming back, even if he missed the touch; to chip like that on the run is a very difficult skill to pull off."

Wales re-jigged front row holds up steady in its first scrum test. Johhny Sexton is pulling strings like a master puppeteer. A lovely deft pass to Robbie Henshaw while his eyes were telling a different story.

He over-cooks his attempt to chip into space behind George North though.

Wales are looking to play with width. Dan Biggar slings a monster pass across half the width of the pitch to try and find George North. It just drifts forward.

That was a royal rumble of an aerial contest as Dan Biggar bombs crossfield and Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams and Rob Kearney all take to the skies. The ball bobbles away from all of them and into the grateful hands of Tommy Bowe.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"Losing Gethin Jenkins is a big blow. It's not just that he is good around the park, it's also his leadership within the team. Rob Evans has been excellent this season but to lose Gethin and Samson Lee is a big blow."

Replacement

And Wales restart with a youthful-looking front row. Gethin Jenkins has not re-emerged and Rob Evans is on in his place.

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Olly Dent on Twitter: "Just goes to show what a team can do to Ireland when the ref polices the breakdown properly."

John Richards on Twitter: "Wales reasonably 'nullified' Irish threat. Now PLAY in the second half.Don't repeat mistakes of England game.Same intensity."

We're back under way...

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Andrew Priestley on Twitter: "Ireland did well to weather that early Welsh storm. They have composed themselves since falling 12-0 behind and look dangerous."

John Richards on Twitter: "Fascinating 1st half. Lacking in tries, but Wales stole a few Irish line outs. Very attritional game."

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England Rugby

England Rugby: Scotland are the first to arrive at Twickenham for the 2015 edition of the oldest Test fixture in history #ENGVSCO

Kick-off is at 17:00 GMT

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"We criticised England for the line-out they called on Ireland's line two weeks ago but Ireland's decision today to do the same thing was correct in my opinion, even though they lost it.

"It's just composure they have lacked; in the first 15 to 20 minutes, Ireland's composure was all over the place, but what encourages me is that in the last 20 minutes of the half they had it back."

Half-time stats

BBC

A half of two halves then and it delivers a strange set of stats.

Ireland apparently made more than twice the distance Wales managed with ball in hand.

Wales-Ireland

Tackles made 87-62

Tackles missed: 9-6

Turnovers won: 2-1

Penalties conceded: 7-7

Carries: 54-58

Offloads: 1-3

Metres made: 97-214

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

Getty Images

"I do have a level of frustration watching Wayne Barnes referee. He is overly pedantic at times for both Ireland and Wales."

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Chris Wenham on Twitter: "Best first 10/15mins I've seen Wales play in a long time! Let's just hope we can start like that for the second half."

Andrew Weeks on Twitter: "Compelling first half. Alun Wyn Jones- quality."

Shane Williams

Former Wales winger on BBC One

"Johnny Sexton has had an off day so far and Wales will be grateful for that. He has taken his eye off the ball at times, looking at the opposition coming towards him. You don't see that in Division Six these days."

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"It's like a game of aggressive chess. Ireland were hesitant and lacked discipline at the start while Wales were on fire for the first 15 minutes."

Wales started like a storm with Ireland cowering like a dog on fireworks night.

But slowly, but surely, Ireland have edged back into it.

Six points is a skinny lead and Wales have an unfortunate habit of letting things slip in the late stages of big matches.

BBC

Half-time

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"There's a lot of bluff going on in the lineouts. O'Connell hasn't called too much on himself yet. Wales have worked out what Ireland are going to do so far.

Ohhh! Rob Kearney coming flying in from the opposite side is very nearly away from Jamie Heaslip's slipped inside pass.

Alun Wyn Jones just about got enough of him to dislodge the ball.

Sam Warburton trots back on. Ireland with the line-out just on the Wales side of halfway.

Devin Toner claims. What can the visitors create here?

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Getty Images

James Humberstone on Twitter: "Biggar should have been in the Wales squad a year earlier. I'm not sure Priestland will see the 10 shirt again."

Sam Warburton is stretching off on the sidelines. Less than a minute of his sentence to serve.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"What a ball that was from Johnny Sexton to Paul O'Connell. He did Rhys Webb with his eyes. And then Ireland get the penalty."

Penalty

Dan Lydiate gets over-eager in his defence, leaping in to smother Johnny Sexton before the Ireland fly-half has actually got the ball.

Penalty and it is meat and drink for Sexton off the tee.

Getty Images

Ireland piling on the pressure now though. Up to within five metres as Paul O'Connell barges through and onto a lovely disguised pass from Johnny Sexton and then Robbie Henshaw weasels through a gap.

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Ken Eastwood: Awesome drop goal Wales!

Woolworths Nye Bevan: ‏That last Welsh play was an absolute delight

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Great play all round. A man short, you keep possession, and when you are ready you take the points. All the while, the clock is ticking down. Very good play by Wales."

Drop-goal

Getty Images

Canny from Wales. With a good bit of territory, but a man down, Dan Biggar drops back into the pocket, allows the forwards to meander through a few slow phases and then slots a drop-goal right down the centre.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"It's a different language in the scrum: 'If you pre-engage there will be sanctions'!"

Ireland attempt to turn the screw on an underpowered Wales pack, but Wayne Barnes has spotted Jack McGrath's sly sideways step to bring on the wheel.

A much needed penalty for Wales to ease the pressure and eat up the seconds.

Jamie Roberts has come in out of the centres to make up the numbers in the scrum, packing down on the blind-side.

You would think twice before picking and going down the short side with him there.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

PA

"Ireland are going to have to make the most of this yellow card. Warburton has been prolific in his line-out and defensive work so far. He got the word from Wayne Barnes to roll away... and he didn't."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

PA

"You have to listen to the referee. Even if you feel you are supporting yourself, you have to listen to the referee and if he says 'roll away', you roll away. Wayne Barnes has been consistent and that is all you can ask for."

Penalty

That radar is back in working order. Johnny Sexton makes his kick and a 12-point lead has been cut in half with a 10-minute "power play" to come for Ireland.

Sin-bin

PA

"You've had your warning Sam."

Wayne Barnes dispatches Sam Warburton to the sin bin as he gets his hands all over the ball right in front of the official.

Not Warburton's smartest work.

Johnny Sexton will have a chance from straight in front and on the Wales' 10m.

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Getty Images

John McEnerney on Twitter: "Wales playing outstanding stuff. Crucial 15 mins for Ireland."

Steve Jones on Twitter: "Leigh Halfpenny is a superb example for kids of what you can achieve with commitment."

Wales are burgling the Ireland line-out.

Dan Lydiate gets up to claim another of Rory Best's darts before Liam Williams shows that you don't need a childhood playing Gaelic football to claim a box kick, clambering highest to regain Rhys Webb's steepling punt.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"The way Wayne Barnes is refereeing this, he is favouring the side with the ball. With the way it is going, you would therefore favour Wales to win it."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"They read the call, the lifters knew it was coming, so they could get Sam Warburton in the air to steal the line-out and then Ireland gifted them the present of a penalty by taking him down in the air."

Huge cheers! Sam Warburton squirts up at the back of the lineout to steal a ball aimed for Devin Toner.

Ireland give away a penalty - taking out Warburton in the air - to compound hooker Rory Best's error and pave the route out of defence for Wales.

Three penalty advantages and Johnny Sexton kicks the last into the corner to give Ireland a lineout thrown five metres from the Wales line...

BBC Wales Sport's Dafydd Pritchard at the Millennium Stadium

After a breathless start, the Millennium Stadium fell silent for a moment as Wales prop Samson Lee was taken off injured.

Until then, it had felt like a firework display here - only that it has been brutal tackles rather than pyrotechnics creating the spectacle.

Each ferocious hit has been met with cries of "ooh" and "aah" as Welsh and Irish players crash into each other like dodgems on the pitch. This is not for the faint-hearted.

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BBC Sport's Ben Dirs on Twitter: "I'm not sure anyone expected this, Ireland just haven't fathomed Wales' variety of attack. They've slept walked into a threshing machine."

Wales have the ball back in hand but Alun Wyn Jones bites off more than he can chew, charging into the entire Ireland back row.

Jamie Heaslip and Sean O'Brien gobble him up, freezing his forward momentum and keeping him hanging off the floor to earn the turnover.

Penalty

Getty Images

That is more like normal service.

Johnny Sexton finds the sweet spot of the instep, hammering clean off the tee to split the sticks.

Another chance for Johnny Sexton. Scott Baldwin to blame for Wales with a needless high tackle near halfway.

Missed penalty

Ireland have been on the rough side of Wayne Barnes' whistle so far, but they have a break there with George North pinged for hanging on to his man after the tackle.

It is a tricky chance, off on the angle, but Johnny Sexton won't be happy with the tugged effort.

He has had a slow start .

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

Reuters

"This will not be good for Wales, Samson Lee is crucial to the scrum. It is a big ask for his replacement Aaron Jarvis and it also ends the momentum Wales had built up. This is a big blow for Wales, a big blow. And a certain Adam Jones has retired. Adam, put your pint down and get back on the treadmill..."

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Martin Aaron on Twitter: "What a start for Wales! Let's hope we can keep this going."

Dave Harrington on Twitter: "Where is this well disciplined Irish side everyone's raving about?"

Matt Cross on Twitter: "Convincing start so far, Ireland not having enough ball to show how dangerous they are."

Penalty

Wales started like a train against England and came a cropper thanks to a sluggish second half.

They are putting plenty of points in the bank while they are hot this afternoon.

Getty Images

Wales' Samson Lee will not play any further part in this match. The prop is getting oxygen on the pitch after a serious looking leg injury.

Skipper Sam Warburton calls his troops, including Lee's replacement Aaron Jarvis, in for a pep talk.

Play will restart with a Wales penalty 30-odd metres out. Leigh Halfpenny will take a pop at goal. And you would not bet against him...

BBC Radio 5 live

Rob Jones, Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio 5 live: "Everything they have done so far has been perfection and Wales have not missed a tackle and when they have the ball they have pressurised Ireland."

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"Warren Gatland will be delighted. Ireland are having what they have done to other teams done to them - especially on the kick offs and in the aerial battle. Wales are dominating both."

Ireland are rattled. Johnny Sexton muffs his kick-off, clearing the touchline on the full to mocking cheers from the crowd.

That part of the game has been one of Ireland's best under Joe Schmidt.

Penalty

Reuters

Leigh Halfpenny is hitting the back fence at the driving range today.

A boomer of a kick from bang on halfway has more than enough distance, clearing the crossbar with plenty to spare.

Jonathan Davies is already talking about points difference for next weekend...

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"Wales have to take the opportunities if they are on out wide. Ireland defend narrow at times - Wales must take the chance if it is on."

Leigh Halfpenny is showing his full repertoire. After the pin-point place kicking and a sky-scraping claim in an aerial contest with Conor Murray, he claims a mark with an astonishing diving take, just inches off the deck.

What a player.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"It's all coming from the tactical kicking by Wales, Ireland just can't deal with it at the moment. These are probably the two best kick-chase teams in the championship, so there isn't going to be an advantage for Ireland as they have had in other games."

Penalty

Reuters

With his side under heavy pressure, Ireland blind-side flanker Peter O'Mahony tries to be a hero, nibbling for the ball after chopping down his man in the tackle.

Wayne Barnes pings him right in front and Leigh Halfpenny could kick that one in his carpet slippers.

Getty Images

There is a bit of ambition about Wales this afternoon. Twice it goes wide, Liam Williams is pinned the first time, but Jonathan Davies shoves off a tackler and strides on to the Ireland 22.

The crowd are demanding points. Five preferably.

Phillip Matthews

Former Ireland captain on BBC One

"Warren Gatland has clearly looked at the Ireland-England game. England kicked long and kept giving Ireland the ball, whereas Dan Biggar kicked short, Wales got the ball back and got the penalty."

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

"We all knew how crucial the ruck area was going to be - they just can't be isolated. Wales are trying to move the disciplined Irish defence around."

Penalty

Off comes the scrum cap, up go the flags.

In between is one of the most reliable kicking actions in the game.

First blood to the hosts.

PA

Wales are getting the heavy artillery rumbling.

First Taulupe Faletau and then James Roberts go barrelling into contact. Ireland thrown hefty defence in the way, but they have not rolled clear.

A very kickable penalty for Leigh Halfpenny...

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Former England scrum-half Matt Dawson on Twitter: "Wales! Wales! Wales! #landofourfatherstoday

Former England scrum-half Kyran Bracken on Twitter: "At Twickenham....come on Wales beat Ireland for us!!"

Kick-off

Wayne Barnes of England is in charge. He cheekily asks Dan Biggar which way he is going to kick off.

Plum down the centre must have been the answer. And Wales regain possession....

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BBC Sport's Ben Dirs on Twitter: The WRFU haven't exactly reined in the pre-match hype, it's as if we're about to witness an apocalyptic clash between good and evil

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

Reuters

"I think it will be incredibly tight but I think Ireland will take their game to a new level and will win."

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"I just can't see Wales losing two games at home in the Six Nations, so I'm going for them to win by three."

Time for the anthems.

Ireland's Call is all very nice, but it stands no chance on the decibel meter.

Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau is so loud that the crowd effect microphones are fizzing.

Leigh Halfpenny is lucky to escape without a pulled vocal cord.

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Andrew Priestley on Twitter: "An Irish win & a Grand Slam is almost complete, but a Welsh win & the Championship is wide-open. But the game won't be pretty."

Will Murday on Twitter: "Joe Schmidt seems a very good guy. Clearly an excellent coach too. Lions? Henshaw v Roberts is exciting."

Huw Campbell Davie on Twitter: "Strange reading all these english tweets supporting wales! Finally seen sense I see! Was only a matter of time"

Keith Wood

Former Ireland hooker on BBC One

"Ireland don't care what anyone thinks about the way they are playing. They don't take any unnecessary risks, they want to win games and they are winning games."

BBC Sport Wales' Dafydd Pritchard at the Millennium Stadium

Wales have a history of making Ireland feel at home in Cardiff. Since 1983, Wales have only twice won on their own turf against the Irish.

The hosts are in hospitable mood today as well, with the Welsh choir treating the Millennium Stadium crowd to a rendition of the Irish folk ballad 'Fields of Athenry'.

It's not long, however, before those dulcet tones make way for the heartier roars of home favourite 'Bread of Heaven'.

As Paul O'Connell leads out Ireland, you have just enough time to check out the comic performance of the tournament so far.

In this BBC Wales video, Mike Phillips nominates Colin Farrell to play him in a film and himself as the best-dressed player in the Wales dressing room. His pet hate? "Arrogant people."

All totally deadpan.

Team news

Ireland's Jamie Heaslip returns at number eight, four weeks after fracturing three vertebrae when kneed in the back by France lock Pascal Pape.

Paul O'Connell will win his 100th Ireland cap and will equal Mick Galwey's record as Ireland's oldest Test captain at 35 years and 145 days.

15-Rob Kearney, 14-Tommy Bowe, 13-Jared Payne, 12-Robbie Henshaw, 11-Simon Zebo, 10-Johnny Sexton, 9-Conor Murray; 1-Jack McGrath, 2-Rory Best, 3-Mike Ross, 4-Devin Toner, 5-Paul O'Connell, 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-Eoin Reddan, 22-Ian Madigan, 23-Felix Jones.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

"Captaining wouldn't come naturally to Sam [Warburton] but more than anything else he is a fantastic player and that is the best way to lead."

Team news

Wales' team news is not going to take long...

Head coach Warren Gatland has named an unchanged XV in the Six Nations for the first time since 2013.

Sam Warburton leads his country for a record 34th time.

15 - Leigh Halfpenny, 14-George North, 13-Jonathan Davies, 12-Jamie Roberts, 11-Liam Williams, 10-Dan Biggar, 9-Rhys Webb; 1-Gethin Jenkins, 2-Scott Baldwin, 3-Samson Lee, 4-Luke Charteris, 5-Alun Wyn Jones, 6-Dan Lydiate, 7-Sam Warburton (captain), 8-Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: 16-Richard Hibbard, 17-Rob Evans, 18-Aaron Jarvis, 19-Jake Ball, 20-Justin Tipuric, 21-Mike Phillips, 22-Rhys Priestland, 23-Scott Williams.

Reuters

Daffodil heads in the crowd? Check.

Male voice choir getting the girders ringing with "Bread of Heaven"? Check.

Time for some team news...

There is plenty of history to go at in the Six Nations, but you don't have to delve too far back in the books to find some fizz and feist to Wales v Ireland.

Warren Gatland admitted back in 2009 that that two sides don't get on and that was before Gatland dumped Brian O'Driscoll for the final Lions Test in Australia.

This could get tasty.

Wales have not been winning too many artistic merit marks either. There is plenty of bosh and not too many surprises in the way their hefty backline run the ball.

Forwards coach Robin McBryde is unapologetic.

"Are supporters likely to see open rugby? I am not too sure about that," he said.

"It's going to be an arm-wrestle for 80 minutes."

At least the kids are all right.

Savour this delicious score from Wales under-20s in their own meeting with Ireland last night. You are unlikely to see two successive back-of-the-hand offloads at any point in today's game.