Andy Nicol
Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"The last 20 minutes of this game may well have a big bearing on the outcome of the entire Six Nations, If France play well in the last 25 minutes they will go to Twickenham with a lot of confidence - and that could cause problems for England and their hopes of winning."

Mr Tod:, external Surely a 4 way fight for 6 nations, France win by 30 points today, then beat England, plus Italy win and Scotland win = France Champions

Matthew:, external It would be outrageous if Wales, Ireland and England all lose next week for France to become champions

Carl Cymrus Blog:, external If France beat Italy well and Italy and Scotland beat Wales and Ireland will they have a shot at the title vs England

There is a thought...

Andy Nicol
Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"France are now more than three converted tries in front of Italy. But the way Italy are playing they aren't going to get one, never mind three."

Jules Plisson has looked the coolest cucumber on the pitch since his arrival. A level-headed slot puts his side more than three converted scores beyond Italy.

Some jeers in the crowd and you can understand their sentiment. A penalty on the Italy 10m and France have opted to kick rather than chance their arms with a bit of running rugby. Shame.

Andy Nicol
Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"Italy have got some good set plays but France are just reading them very well. Italy are doing a lot of nice runs but France are there to stop it, often getting three defenders on one player."

Carlo Del Fava
Former Italy lock on BBC One

"Benjamin Kayser has come into the scrum for France and suddenly, after Italy dominated the first couple of scrums of the match, France have absolutely dominated the last couple. It's a complete turnaround."

The France scrum is suddenly looking like the raw-meat eating beast that we are more accustomed to.

They send the France pack into a tailspin with a large shovel of heave and JP Doyle awards the penalty the visitors' way.

Dario Chistolini and George Biagi have done enough for Italy. They trot off to be replaced by Quintin Geldenhuys and Lorenzo Cittadini.

France make changes as well with Nicolas Mas called back to the bench and Rabah Slimani shoved out into the fray.

Andy Nicol
Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

Image source, Reuters

"Finally, at last, a passage of play that went through a number of phases with a bit of pace, great passing and knowing where the support is. Spedding set it up. His did the same first half with one burst. But this time there was good support. It was a great try. Having played so poorly France are now 19-0 up, and this could get very messy for Italy."

Image source, Reuters

The game's first moment of genuine quality delivers its first try.

Scott Spedding spotted a hole between two lumbering forwards and disappears upfield in a flash. A thumping cover tackle from Andrea Masi briefly holds up the France momentum, but when the ball is recycled back wide, Yoann Maestri is doing some classic second-row lurking out on the wing.

The lock gallops over and Plisson is sharp off the tee again.

Fabulous break from Scott Spedding, carving through....

Stefano Rocchio:, external Surely this second half can only get better... Both sides have been appalling! ForzaItalia

Funny you should say that...

Andy Nicol
Former Scotland scrum-half on BBC One

"It is a shame for Lopez and for France that he's had to go off. He made one wonderful break in the first half and looked like the one player who could spark this game into life."

By the way does anyone else think of flame haired pop starlet La Roux every time the commentators mentions France flanker Bernard.

They don't look too dissimilar either.

Image source, Getty Images

The latest fly-half into the fray and Jules Plisson makes a solid first impression, thumping a good strong kick between the sticks to take his side out into a healthy 12-point lead.

Back up and running and it is France replacement Jules Plisson who get the first touch. He is on for Camille Lopez who has twanged his leg.

The pundits on BBC One are arguing about where the 2023 World Cup should be, with Ireland and Italy vying to host it.

Keith Wood and Carlo Del Fava are asked to put forward arguments on behalf of their countries.

Wood says the Irish would "love it" and that the country deserves it given their standing in world rugby, while Del Fava bangs on about how it would see rugby really take off in his country and also - most important this - how good Italian food is.

Jeremy Guscott is asked for his opinion. Stood next to Wood and Del Fava he says: "I'd be happy with either." Fence-sitter.

Carlo Del Fava
Former Italy lock on BBC One

"Italy's bad kicking is really costing them. They should have been 6-0 up. It's getting to the point where whoever kicks the most goals in training during the week kicks at the weekend because something needs to be done.

"In Test matches you need to go forward and apply pressure but because they are missing their kicks they can't do it.

"I'm very disappointed with Italy today. There isn't the same pressure or edge."

Jeremy Guscott
Former England centre on BBC One

Image source, Getty Images

"Lopez is indifferent for France at best. You want a general at 10 doing the right thing. His kicking has been loose and aimless and his forwards must be wondering why he's been selected."