France v Scotland

1. France 19-16 Scotland FT
2. Nakaitaci try, Parra con, Michalak 3 pens, Spedding 1
3. Seymour try, 3 Laidlaw pens & 1 con for Sco
4. Wales 23-19 Italy FT
5. Wales lose Halfpenny and Webb to leg injuries
6. England 21-13 Ireland FT

A full match report of tonight's match in Paris is now live for your perusal, but that's just about it from us for today's warm-up-athon.

Less than two weeks until England kick it all off at Twickenham against Fiji on 18 September, with full coverage here on BBC Sport - we'll see you then!

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Stevie, Renfrew:  Good effort but still glorious failure.... Episode 712.

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Iain, Kelso:  Wayne Barnes should've been sin-binned for missing all those French offsides all night!

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Scotland should feel very positive about the World Cup after that performance. Gutsy and brave in defence, and fully prepared to attack rather than feed off scraps. 

Having said that, wins in Paris are as common as hen's teeth and Vern Cotter is bound to rue the fact his side held the lead as often as they did but still came away empty-handed. It'll be all about the key moments over the next few weeks.

'Scotland have a death wish'

Tom English

BBC Scotland

"Scotland were much better physically tonight than they've been in the last three games. This was pretty much the first-choice French side they were up against.

"But what astonished me was what happened around 71-72 minutes. Scotland spent three or four minutes defending their own line. They survive. Incredibly. They lift the siege, they get the line-out - and then they give away the line-out. It's like getting out of jail and then saying: 'Do you know what? I'm going to go back in.' This team have a death wish. Scotland's line-out tonight was really poor."

No late magic for Scotland

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Ian MacKinnon:  Wayne Barnes is French.

Full-time

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They go for a try to generous applause from the home crowd. Maitland goes through the middle, spins around to feed Strokosch 10 yards out....and he spills it! It's all over and Scotland have slipped to a brave defeat - but there's been a lot of positives.

We're past the 80 minutes but the 14 men of Scotland are swarming all over France in the home 22 and get a penalty! Go for points, get a draw or go for glory with a try? David Denton is back on, although they did pretty well without him.

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The Harry Potter author, there, having her Saturday night well and truly ruined.

Sloppy from both sides, a Scottish attack is thwarted by a forward pass, then France give it away when trying to break out. A boring friendly this is not!

Scotland have a line-out on the French 22, they are still giving this a real go and you'd never know they are a man short.

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 John Thomson: Another defeat. Nothing new.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

"It should be a penalty. We went right through the gap, and half of that French team were offside. The fact that the ball went into touch is irrelevant. It should be a penalty to Scotland. This is a joke."

Opportunity missed by Scotland. Bennett bursts up the middle and is snagged by the shorts, then Matt Scott hurls a wild pass into touch from the centre when a calm head was needed - two blue shirts were begging for the ball out wide.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

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"We didn't do anything to disrupt that scrum, we just tried to hold it, so France had a complete training-ground move. All the work we've put in has been undone because we didn't do enough there. Without naming names, we missed some tackles."

Converted try (Nakaitaci, con Parra)

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The wall is breached at last as France go right out of the scrum, Noa Nakaitaci comes round off the left wing to burst through two tackles and flop over the line. Morgan Parra converts, and the 14 men of Scotland have it all to do.

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Centre Matt Scott adds his weight to the scrum to make up the eight. France spin it wide, but magnificent defence from Scotland bundles Noa Nakaitaci into touch.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

"Hardie was across quick and flew into the tackle. But he didn't do the job. Denton tried to do the job, but he's off his feet going into the ruck."

Sin-bin

Number eight David Denton is sent to the sidelines, and France go for the scrum again. 

France batter away at the heart of the Scottish defence, which eventually concedes a scrum just five yards out.  The scrum doesn't give an inch even on the tacky surface, but France opt for more scrums, rather than penalties, right in front of the posts with seven points needed and time running out.

Referee Wayne Barnes talks to Greig Laidlaw - he's threatening the sin-bin for someone. Scotland prop Gordon Reid looks hurt but is soldiering on.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

"Both teams are keeping their studs planted in the scrum. The pitch is so bad that if you start moving your feet, you're going to lose your footing."

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Andy, Falkirk: The performance against Italy last week and the game play today shows that we have progressed over the last few years! World Cup quarter finals look like a good aim and possibility! #tartantakeover #scotland   

Another cute angled kick from Greig Laidlaw relieves more pressure, putting France right back into their own 22. No sign of the home crowd turning on their own just yet, I suspect the Scottish line could be besieged for much of the remainder.

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Reuters

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

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"Wow. France were on the attack, and they messed up. They were just being over fancy. Maitland gave it to Visser, and then Laidlaw saw Seymour. That's a really good try. We're not looking out of our depth, which we often do here. We look as if we know what we're trying to do."

Converted try

Reuters

France are all over Scotland but then all of a sudden Greig Laidlaw chips the ball over the defence. Tommy Seymour races upfield, gets a boot to the ball which then sits up nicely for him and trots over the line unopposed for the simplest of tries. Laidlaw converts and Scotland are ahead again.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

"That was some kick from Scott Spedding. Every thing the French do is coming off. Scotland aren't keeping the ball through the phases as they would want."

Penalty

Scott Spedding opts to go for goal from just inside his own half. The South African-born full-back strikes it perfectly and the ball sails over the bar to put France ahead for the first time.

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Yeams, Dundee:  I can't watch the Scotland game tonight but keeping up to date with the scores in the wings of the Whitehall Theatre! It would be good if Scotland win tonight but frankly after what we've witnessed over the past few years we can only be enthusiast at the changes in attitude and performance on the pitch thus far. Keep the forward momentum Scotland!

Finn Russell goes for a chip and chase straight through the middle of the French defence, collecting the ball on the run and off-loading to Mark Bennett. The centre can't hang on to the ball and France clear, but it's typical of Scotland's spirited performance tonight.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

"What's good about Finn Russell is that he's not in the mould of some of the pretty flaky number 10s we've had in the past. Some have been good at running, but bad at kicking and tackling. Or good at kicking but bad at running and tackling. Russell's pretty good at all those things. He's not world-class yet, but he engenders confidence from those around him."

Replacement

Pascal Pape trudges off with a physio holding an ice pack just above the lock's knee. Pape doesn't look too happy, but it does not look as serious as Bernard Le Roux replaces him.

For Scotland, flanker Ryan Wilson is off with Alasdair Strokosch coming on.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

AP

"Scotland are not being overwhelmed by this France team. It's structured stuff. I think Richie Gray and Jonny Gray are looking good as the second row partnership."

AP

Yoann Huget executes a neat side-step and races down the right touchline. The winger looks odds-on to score but Sean Maitland grabs him by the boot to put him into touch. Classy work from both players.

France seem to be gradually turning the screw, recycling the ball in the Scottish 22 a few times until prop Eddy Ben Arous loses control and Scotland hoof it clear to ease the pressure.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

"The trouble with these games is that, a number of times, we've been close to good teams at half-time, and then we collapse. The test now for the next 30-odd minutes is: Can Scotland consolidate? At the moment, our defence is a bit passive."

Penalty (Frederic Michalak)

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Gordon Reid is penalised for holding a French attacker down slap bang in front of the posts. Frederic Michalak comfortably slots it over from 40 yards to level it up.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

"This pitch is a disgrace. A player could break their leg on this."

Kick-off

Frederic Michalak gets proceedings under way, but Tim Visser collects nicely and charges down the left flank into the French half. Scotland picking up where they left off.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row, BBC Radio Scotland

"I like what we're trying to do, but some of the fundamentals haven't been there in the scrum and the line-out.

"Incidentally, France were out there for at least two minutes before Scotland came out for the second half. Scotland made them wait."

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Scotland fans, and to paraphrase Eric Morecambe, what do you think of it so far? Genuine hope, or too early to tell? 

Tweet using the hashtag #bbcrugby, text to 81111, or get in touch via the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Thanks, Mike. Encouraging stuff from Scotland so far, they've been at France relentlessly and the hosts have been below-par much of the time. I wouldn't be surprised if the usual plethora of substitutions after the break to have an effect, though.

Half-time

France did pierce that Scotland defence on a couple of occasions, and the power of Mathieu Bastareaud is a threat. Vern Cotter's side need to do better in the line-outs too - but they have given as good as they've received in the scrum.

There's a half-time substitution on the live text commentary front - I'm going to hand you over to Tim Oscroft for the second 40.

Half-time

A scrappy first half in difficult conditions, that. But Vern Cotter will be very encouraged by the way his players have taken the battle on. They were a little fortunate that France fluffed their chance to score through Wesley Fofana thanks to a forward pass in the build-up. But they have hung in there and eked out a lead. Discipline will be key in the second half.

Penalty (Greig Laidlaw)

SNS

Scotland get a penalty as France collapse in the scrum, and a kick for the corner gives Scotland the line-out. They've struggled to win clean ball, but Ryan Wilson keeps it alive, and a French offside gives Greig Laidlaw the chance to kick at goal. The scrum-half's nerve holds - it's three out of three for him, and Scotland - having weathered a fair degree of pressure - lead at the break.

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France keep the pressure on from the scrum, however. Scotland can't get out initially, but hang in there - it's good defence in the ruck, and scrum-half Greig Laidlaw is eventually able to kick for the halfway line. Scotland may be happy to get to half-time level.

No try

Scotland's defence is wobbling. France full-back Scott Spedding darts through a gap, and suddenly Vern Cotter's men are pinned back 15 yards in front of their line. From a maul, the ball is worked wide to centre Wesley Fofana, who dives in at the corner. Is it a try? Referee Wayne Barnes thinks it's a forward pass from Mathieu Bastareaud and has no doubt about blowing the whistle to bring play back for a scrum. A bit of a let-off for Scotland.

John Beattie

Ex-Scotland back row forward, BBC Scotland

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"What's annoying is that without doing much the French have come back into the game through Scottish mistakes. Why grab a player when he's in the air at the line-out? That's madness."

Penalty (Frederic Michalak)

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The penalty count is rising against Scotland, which will be a concern to Vern Cotter. Richie Gray pulls down Damien Chouly at a line-out, giving Frederic Michalak a relatively easy angled kick between the posts from around 20 yards. Scotland need to keep their discipline better than this.

Scotland's defence is doing a good job here against another Mathieu Bastareaud charge. France try to work the ball left, but Damien Chouly gets his pass wrong and the ball finds touch.

More problems for France prop Rabah Slimani, who has already been off once for a blood injury, and needs patching up again. He's fine to continue, though. A fair few handling errors creeping in here on both sides; it's a wet night, on a dog's dinner of a pitch - it's set up for errors here.

John Beattie

Ex-Scotland back row forward, BBC Scotland

"The French crowd have gone quiet because Scotland are playing sensible rugby."

Penalty (Greig Laidlaw)

SNS

It's being played at a terrific pace, this match; arguably at the expense of quality, but none the less, it's a fascinating watch. A Scotland attack is rewarded with a penalty as France falter at the breakdown, giving Greig Laidlaw another chance to kick from distance, albeit once again in a central position. The ball dips as it approaches the posts, but has enough fuel to creep over.

John Beattie

Ex-Scotland flanker, BBC Scotland

"There's been more rugby in the first 15 minutes of this match than many Six Nations games. Scotland's kick-chasing is good, but we're not keeping the ball long enough in phases. Nothing to be ashamed of, this is fine."

Penalty (Frederic Michalak)

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Mathieu Bastareaud is an absolute monster - he just ploughs on as Scottish challengers bounce off him. His efforts force Scotland into conceding a penalty... Frederic Michalak, whose first penalty was a dribbling misery, is far better with his second effort, from around 35 metres out on the left. We are level.

John Beattie and Duncan in Ayton with a slight difference of opinion there. That's what it's all about. I wouldn't like to call this match at the moment - but France have weathered some Scotland pressure, and are now starting to press...

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Scotland will do well to be within 10 points of France tonight I fear.

From Duncan in Ayton

John Beattie

Ex-Scotland back row forward, BBC Scotland

"It's been an error-strewn game but both teams are trying something different. I have a sneaking feeling Scotland could do this tonight, they have no need to be overawed. They look in reasonable nick."

Scotland win a penalty from a scrum that digs up some almighty divots in an absolute pudding of a pitch. The ball is kicked to the corner, and Scotland have a line-out 10 yards from the French line. Richie Gray collects from Ross Ford's throw, and now the pressure is on - but the home defence holds up well, and Frederic Michalak is able to boot clear. A chance that for Scotland; they might have expected to make France sweat more than that.

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Penalty (Greig Laidlaw)

Rabah Slimani has been patched up, has donned his skull cap and is ready to rejoin us. Meanwhile, France concede a penalty around 40 yards from the posts, in a central position, and Greig Laidlaw proves far more reliable a kicker than Frederic Michalak was at the other end moments ago. Scotland lead in Paris.

John Beattie

Ex-Scotland back row forward, BBC Scotland

"Both teams at the moment are unable to keep their own ruck ball. It's a strange game, but this could be World Cup conditions, it'll be like a wet October day in Newcastle."

Now Scotland prop Alasdair Dickinson has problems following a collision with Louis Picamoles, and is led from the field - it's not immediately clear if he has a blood or a head injury. 

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From the line-out, Richie Gray puts his hands on Pascal Pape and concedes a penalty. Frederic Michalak's kick, though, is atrocious - it barely reaches the posts. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt and blame it on the conditions.

France look a team full of power, and they're looking sharp on the counter attack in these early stages. This is going to be a testing evening for Vern Cotter's men as they seek a first win at the Stade de France since 1999. There's an early blood injury to Rabah Slimani, and Nicolas Mas is on.

John Beattie

Former Scotland back row forward, BBC Scotland

"As a player, you didn't want to play warm-up games. How many Scots have played themselves into contention through these warm-ups?"

Kick-off

And referee Wayne Barnes, with a blast of his whistle, gets us away on a rainy night in Paris. France are in a red change strip - Scotland in their usual blue.

A rather impressive a cappella version of La Marseillaise from the France team follows a lusty rendition of Flower of Scotland. We're just about ready to go.

'It should be good practice'

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Scotland coach Vern Cotter, speaking to BBC Radio Scotland: 

"It’s a Test match, so we’ll take this seriously and very positively. It’s key that we learn to adapt to different situations, it should be a good practice and hit-out."

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I'd like your thoughts too - how far will Scotland go at the World Cup? Who is going to make the difference for them? Are you happy with Vern Cotter's selections? Tweet using the hashtag #bbcrugby, text to 81111, or get in touch via the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Follow it live

Just a reminder that, in addition to this text commentary, you can listen to live coverage of events in Paris courtesy of BBC Radio Scotland. Click the live coverage tab at the top of this page.

Form guide

Scotland arrive in Paris on the back of two wins over Italy, with a hard-fought 16-12 victory in Rome two weeks ago followed up by a far more stylish 48-7 triumph at Murrayfield last Saturday.

Philippe Saint-Andre's France side have faced England on each of the last two Saturdays, first losing 19-14 at Twickenham before winning 25-20 last weekend.

Maitland and Seymour start

Let's turn attention towards Scotland now. Vern Cotter's side will seek to avoid any injury dramas of their own as they face France at the Stade de France in just over 10 minutes. 

Back-row John Hardie and prop Willem Nel are in Cotter's line-up, while Sean Maitland and Tommy Seymour are included for the first time since returning from injury. Centre Matt Scott comes in to start alongside Mark Bennett in the backs.

Scotland:  Sean Maitland, Tommy Seymour, Mark Bennett, Matt Scott, Tim Visser, Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw (captain); Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford, Willem Nel, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, Ryan Wilson, John Hardie, David Denton.

Replacements:  Fraser Brown, Gordon Reid, Jon Welsh, Tim Swinson, Alasdair Strokosch, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Duncan Weir, Sean Lamont.

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Context is everything...

Wales injury woe

But the big news, if you've only just joined us, is that Rhys Webb and Leigh Halfpenny were both taken off on stretchers during Wales' unconvincing 23-19 win over Italy at the Millennium Stadium. Both are serious doubts for the World Cup - Webb with a suspected broken ankle, Halfpenny with a knee injury. A full report is up on our website.

Elsewhere...

There have been three World Cup warm-up matches so far today. In the early game, England beat Ireland 21-13 at Twickenham - while at Gloucester's Kingsholm, Japan just edged out Georgia 13-10.

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Thank you, disillusionment

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 "It's like a traffic jam when you're already late," as Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette would no doubt have said had we been able to afford her for a punditry shift. Wales' two injury blows could not have come at a worse time. Thank you, disillusionment.  

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Gloom in victory for Wales

Thanks Chris. It's hard not to feel a little flat after that match. The injuries, of course, have overshadowed the result - but it wasn't a particularly good Wales performance either. Warren Gatland and his coaching team have 15 days to lift spirits before their World Cup campaign begins against Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium.

France v Scotland (20:00 BST)

We'll continue to chew over the debris of Wales' squad for the next 45 minutes. But at the same we'll look ahead to Scotland's adventure in Paris. That kicks off at 8pm and you can listen to it on BBC Radio Scotland by using the Live Coverage tab at the top.

I will hand over to Mike Whalley, who will wade through the Welsh sadness as well as the Scottish optimism.

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Reaction to Wales injury blow

Former Italy lock Carlo Del Fava on BBC Two Wales: "I'm devastated for Wales. From a coaching point of view, all you want to do is select the players who are going to be consistent to give you stability. Rhys Webb and Leigh Halfpenny have given them that. To lose that going into the crucial part of the campaign is just devastating for them.

"I feel really bad for them. They're two players we won't see on the world stage, by the looks of it."

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Webb and Halfpenny update

This just in from BBC Sport's Chris Jones...

'The odds are against Wales'

Former Wales and Lions flanker Martyn Williams on BBC Two Wales: "You can't over-emphasise how important Rhys Webb and Leigh Halfpenny are to Wales. All eyes on the medical team now. It doesn't look good, especially when they're being given oxygen and going off on a stretcher. 

"They've just got to regroup when they get back together. But the odds are going to be against Wales, especially if those boys are out. It puts a lot of onus on the players coming in to fill some pretty big shirts."

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'We treated it like a World Cup match'

Wales captain Sam Warburton, speaking to BBC Two Wales:  "We have a very good spirit in the squad. We had a lot of disruptions today, and we managed to grind out the win. We treated that game as if it were a World Cup match. We got the win. We've won our final two warm-up games, and we can move on to the Uruguay match now."

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So, this is bad for Wales. But just how bad?

In the Millennium Stadium there may be a few of those fellas dressed as daffodils sobbing from their stigma (yes, it's a flower term).

Sum up your feelings Wales fans. End of the world or no biggie?

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'Fingers crossed for Rhys and Leigh'

Wales captain Sam Warburton, speaking to BBC Two Wales: "Rhys Webb and Leigh Halfpenny are two key players. We haven't got a clue of the extent of the injuries. We hope they're OK. They'll be assessed over the next 24 to 48 hours and fingers crossed they'll be good, because they're huge players for us. We'll just have to wait and see."

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Steward

It looks like this steward has felt the pain of Wales losing Leigh Halfpenny just like everybody else

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Full-time

Ugly in many respects that game. Leonardo Sarto scored early on for Italy, before George North responded. It was a kicking game after that, with Guglielmo Palazzani going over late on.

But it's all about Wales' injury nightmare tonight, Scrum-half Rhys Webb and Leigh Halfpenny both taken off on stretchers. Welsh World Cup preparations are in tatters.

Try (Guglielmo Palazzani)

Just to make things worse for Wales, they fail to keep hold of Andrea Masi and then the ball is worked out to Guglielmo Palazzani who squeezes it over in the corner. Carlo Canna misses the conversion, but it doesn't matter. That's the end of the game.

BBC

Wales 23-14 Italy

We shouldn't forget how well Italy have done to frustrate Wales today. They're making one more go for it with sustained pressure inside the Welsh 22.

'It doesn't look good'

BBC Wales touchline reporter Phil Steele: "I can only tell you what I saw as Leigh Halfpenny was being carried off. It looked as if it was an injury to his right knee, and he was on oxygen as well. That doesn't look like a hamstring strain to me. It looked as if he was in quite a bit of pain. It doesn't look good. Dreadful luck."

PA

Wales 23-14 Italy

Scott Williams gets man of the match from Jonathan Davies. Not a difficult decision, that.

Penalty (Dan Biggar)

Dan Biggar takes over duties from the tee and clips over a penalty for Wales, which should put the hosts out of sight. Bring out the cotton wool and start wrapping, boys.

BBC

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Double blow for Wales

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Wales 20-14 Italy

Meanwhile, there's a few minutes of an otherwise uninspiring game to play. How about next point wins, just to save anyone any more heartache?

Ex-Wales flanker Martyn Williams, BBC Two Wales:

"You can't wrap players up in cotton wool, you live by the sword, you die by the sword."

Wales 20-14 Italy

It's a bit puzzling that Halfpenny was still on with 10 minutes to go, I must say.

Reuters

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Jonathan Davies

BBC Sport rugby union expert & ex-Wales back

"From an injury point of view, it's an absolute disaster for Wales. This is an absolute nightmare."

Wales 20-14 Italy

This is a sickening, cruel double injury blow for Wales. First-choice scrum-half Rhys Webb was taken off with an ankle injury. First-choice full-back Leigh Halfpenny has oxygen going into his mouth and is being wheeled off. Are those Welsh World Cup hopes going with him?

Wales 20-14 Italy

So, the ball bounces in front of him and he has to adjust his stance. In doing so, his heavily taped right leg bends beneath him. It might be a twisted knee? He's going to be off on a stretcher.

Wales 20-14 Italy

BBC

Oh deary me. Leigh Halfpenny is receiving treatment. He's mouthing 'ow ow ow'.

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Penalty (Leigh Halfoenny)

Wake up everyone, Ross Moriarty is on the rampage, breaking forward. He'll be brilliant at the World Cup - oh wait, he's not in the squad.

George North is held up but Italy concede another penalty right in front of the posts. Leigh Halfpenny obliges.

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Penalty (Leigh Halfpenny)

Kick it between those posts, that'll do. Leigh Halfpenny adds to his tally with a simple one.

BBC

Drop-goal (Carlo Canna)

As you were. Carlo Canna has space behind the ruck and his drop-goal is against the post an over. If you like kicking, you'll love this game.

BBC

Penalty (Leigh Halfpenny)

That means Leigh Halfpenny can tick on to 502 points in a Wales shirt.

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Wales 11-11 Italy

The referee has had enough and just guesses who should have a penalty from the scrum. He initially thinks Italy, but ends up going for Wales.

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Wales 11-11 Italy

Scrum. Reset. Repeat. Scrum. Reset. Repeat.

The referee asks them to get it right. I'm begging them to get it right.

Wales 11-11 Italy

False alarm. There's a few phases but then a knock-on.

This is fun though: We're seeing replays of Sergio Parisse brushing off Gethin Jenkins like he's a child. So good the Italy number eight,

Reuters

Wales 11-11 Italy

Dan Biggar sparks a bit of life into proceedings by rising to meet his own box kick. Gareth Davies then slots in a grubber and Italy concede a deep line-out.

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Wales 11-11 Italy

Paul James's first contribution is to concede a penalty for losing the bind at the scrum. The familiar sound of the referee's whistle goes. I might hear that noise in dreams later tonight.

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Replacement

Paul James and Luke Charteris are on for Wales, replacing prop Gethin Jenkins and lock Jake Ball.

Wales 11-11 Italy

The game has become as stodgy as the feed I'm watching on. Very stop-start. Wales try to muster a maul from a line-out and give away the penalty. Come to think of it, it's possibly more stop than it is start.

Wales 11-11 Italy

Jerome Garces, the referee, wants to check for a neck grab... It's Andrea Masi on Sam Warburton. The Italian puts on a facelock and it's pretty dangerous. Just the penalty though.

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Penalty (Leigh Halfpenny)

Silliness from Gonzalo Garcia, who comes round the ruck and kicks the ball out of Gareth Davies' hands. That means Leigh Halfpenny can deliver a trademark kick from the tee to move on to 499 points in his Wales career.

BBC

Wales wait for Webb news

BBC Sport's Richard Williams in Cardiff: "Wales team manager Alan Phillips talking on Welsh language TV channel S4C.

"He says: 'Rhys Webb has a serious injury, but it’s too early to say if he’ll be able to play any part in the World Cup.'"

Wales 8-11 Italy

Wales are under the cosh - kicking it a long and then sustaining waves of Italian attacks. It's actually patient stuff from Italy, until Andrea Masi messes it all up by knocking on while trying to pull the ball out of the ruck. Welsh scrum.

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Wales 8-11 Italy

An update on Rhys Webb. It's obviously his left ankle which is the concern. He's being prepared for a trip to hospital and has had plenty of painkillers sent his way.

Wales 8-11 Italy

The driving maul inches towards the line ad Joshua Furno spins off the back, but the Wales rearguard is strong and the hosts come out with a scrum.

Wales 8-11 Italy

Even Scott Williams is chucking it around like it's a blancmange now. The centre, Wales' best player today, puts it straight out of play and Italy have a line-out on the Welsh 22.

Kick-off

Tommaso Allan's kick gets starts the second half. It comes back into the Italy half and we're under way.

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France v Scotland (20:00 BST)

Don't forget there's even more fun after this game. Our attention will turn to Paris where France are hosting Scotland. Hopefully both sides will come out unscathed. There's commentary on BBC Radio Scotland.

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'It could hardly get worse'

BBC Sport's Richard Williams in Cardiff: "What a disastrous 40 minutes for Wales. The injury to Rhys Webb will dominate the talk with his chances of playing in the World Cup looking to have gone.

"Even before that, Wales looked disjointed, not functioning at the breakdown and outgunned in the scrums.

"It’s hard to see how it could get worse in the second half. The crowd are subdued, and that’s hardly surprising after what they have just witnessed."

Wales 8-11 Italy (HT)

Rhys Webb's injury is likely to overshadow the result and the performance of Wales in Cardiff. Warren Gatland faces the prospect of going into the World Cup without his scrum-half - the Pro12 player of the season and the Welsh rugby writers' player of the season.

How do you fancy your chances now Wales fans? Use #bbcrugby to give us your thoughts.

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Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts on BBC Two Wales: "I speak on behalf of everyone in Welsh rugby circles when I wish Rhys Webb all the best. But you can tell from the look on his face that it's not great."

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Half-time

Danger averted for Wales, as Italy make a hash at the maul and Wales pop the penalty into touch to bring the first half to a close - a half marred by the nasty-looking ankle injury suffered by Rhys Webb.

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Wales 8-11 Italy

And Italy see off the danger when Ken Owens concedes a penalty in a scrum five metres from the visitors' try line.

Now it's getting sloppy. Another Italy penalty from the line-out and they can attack from the corner.

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Wales 8-11 Italy

Gareth Davies, on at scrum-half for Rhys Webb, has settled in well and sparks the ball moving through Dan Biggar, then Scott Williams and finally George North, who for a second thinks he's through, but is hauled down at the death.

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Wales 8-11 Italy

George North is under a Luke McLean kick and the Welsh wing tries to get on to his own box kick. It's out and Italy can build from a line-out - except they concede a penalty and Dan Biggar's kick from the hand is right into the corner.

Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half

Elsewhere...

It's Georgia 7-6 Japan at half-time in the World Cup warm-up at Kingsholm, Gloucester.

Penalty (Tommaso Allan)

Wales lock Dominic Day is as late, and as heavy, as a London bus on Edoardo Gori. It gives Tommaso Allan a dead-straight penalty - it's through the posts.

BBC

'Wales' worst fears realised'

BBC Sport's Richard Williams in Cardiff: "Before this game, defence coach Shaun Edwards said the thing Wales feared most was injuries.

"'We do want momentum, but we're keeping fingers crossed about injuries because it would be a travesty to get someone injured so late,' he said.

"Rhys Webb departing on a stretcher realises the worst of those fears."

Reuters

Penalty (Leigh Halfpenny)

We're back under way and Italy infringe on their own 22. Wales would probably have gone for the corner before that injury, the tone suggests it's best for Leigh Halfpenny to go between the posts, and the full-back does just that.

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Jonathan Davies

Ex-Wales back, BBC Two Wales

"He knows his World Cup is over, but that's the nature of this tough game."

Wales 5-8 Italy

Rhys Webb, hands on his head, is carried off on one of those little cars as the Millennium Stadium applauds. His team-mates need to get this out of their minds - it will be tricky though.

BBC

Wales 5-8 Italy

There are still medics huddled around Rhys Webb.

Better news for Wales as wing Alex Cuthbert looks set to come back on - there's a few stitches above his right eye.

BBC

Ex-Wales flanker Martyn Williams, BBC Two Wales:

"All that weight, bearing down on your knee and ankle, is never a good thing. Seriously bad luck."

Jonathan Davies

Ex-Wales back, BBC Two Wales

"Such bad luck, you could hear his scream on the referee's mic so that tells you how bad it is."

Wales 5-8 Italy

We've seen a replay. It's not good. 

Webb is at the back of the ruck, crouching to take the ball away. A few bodies come in on top of him and his left ankle buckles. Worrying times for the Pro12 player of the season.

Wales 5-8 Italy

Oh this does not look good. Wales scrum-half Rhys Webb is howling in pain on the floor and the physios want the stretcher...

BBC

Wales 5-8 Italy

We're getting a bit scrappy now, boys. George North can't take a pass and knocks on as he's nailed by Gonzalo Garcia.

Jonathan Davies uses the term 'bread basket', which is the highlight of my day. Fans of former wrestling commentator Gorilla Monsoon will like that one.

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Jonathan Davies

Former Wales back, BBC Two Wales

On Alex Cuthbert's cut to the face...

"That is two players competing for the ball. A few staples in that, he'll be right as rain tomorrow."

Ex-Wales flanker Martyn Williams on BBC Two Wales: 

"Whenever you play Italy, the talk in the week before is keeping the ball on the park to tire them out. Quick throw-ins, quick free kicks are the order of the day. Wales do not want to get into a set-piece battle with these boys."

BBC

Wales 5-8 Italy

An Italian scrum collapses. The referee tosses his coin and gives the visitors a penalty. Italy work it well from the line-out but Francesco Minto is penalised for blocking. And look at this kick to the corner from Dan Biggar - he could have removed a coconut off its stand with that accuracy.

Replacement

Wales pick up the pieces from a high, long ball and it's through the hands of Rhys Webb, Dan Biggar and George North lightning quick. But it's cut out.

Alex Cuthbert is receiving treatment - he was caught by in the face by a Sergio Parisse elbow challenging for that high one. Plenty of crimson. There are plenty of 'ohhhs' as the replay is shown in the Millennium. On comes Matthew Morgan

BBC

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Wales 5-8 Italy

Quick and zippy from Wales now, as Cory Allen almost marauds through a gap. We come back for a Wales penalty and it's a tap and go five metres from the line. It comes to nothing though and Italy win a penalty to release the pressure.

Ex-Wales and Lions flanker Martyn Williams on BBC Two Wales:

"Fingers have been pointed at the Welsh backs that they don't score enough tries but that was a great finish."

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Jonathan Davies

Former Wales back, BBC Two Wales

"Scott Williams was instrumental in that try. It was a lovely outside break, great support play from Corey Allen and Sam Warburton, then a lovely cut-out pass over the top and an easy, easy try for George North."

Try (George North)

Much more like it. Scott Williams is the main man here. He makes the initial yards and almost gets George North through.

It goes through the phases and Williams once again finds North with a tasty pass and North strolls home.

Leigh Halfpenny's conversion from the left touchline drifts wide of the far post.

BBC

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales back, BBC Two Wales

"It's a difficult game for Wales, a no-win situation where they expected to do well and score a lot of points. Italy are a very difficult proposition."

Wales 0-8 Italy

If you're not sure you're reading the scoreline correctly, you can double check by watching the game using the video at the top of the page.

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Wales 0-8 Italy

BBC Sport's Richard Williams in Cardiff: "Some landmarks to look out for today. Leigh Halfpenny needs seven points to become the third Welsh player to reach 500 points for his country while Sergio Parisse and Martin Castrogiovanni extend their record caps totals to 113 for the Azzurri.

"By the way, Wales are playing in anthracite, not black. This is coal country after all."

Penalty (Tommaso Allan)

Italy, inside the Wales 22, get an advantage from a Welsh offside. They come back for the penalty and from right in front of the posts Tommaso Allan delivers.

BBC

Wales 0-5 Italy

Wakey wakey Wales. The home side concede at the scrum and Tommaso Allan puts a penalty into the corner.8 mins

Reuters

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales back, BBC Two Wales

“Parisse must have been thinking ‘why me?’ when he went on the run after that intercept. Then Wales lost their shape, two of them missed a tackle and it was a very good finish from Sarto.”

Try (Leonardo Sarto, missed con Tommaso Allan)

Wait. Where's that script?

Italy haven't read it.

Sergio Parisse intercepts an Alex Cuthbert pass. The number eight is running through treacle and Scott Williams catches him a yard from the line. But Italy recycle and Leonardo Sarto dives over.

Allan's conversion clips the wrong side of the post. Cardiff is stunned.

BBC

Kick-off

Wales start us off and it's a bit of kick tennis to get us going.

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Right then Wales fans. What do you need to see from your side today?

Let us know using #bbcrugby on Twitter or text us on 81111. Any Italians want to join in? Please do.

And if you're on holiday, continue to rub our noses in it with your poolside pics.

Wales v Italy (17:00 BST)

It's game two of three. Are you ready?

Cardiff is. Land of our Fathers is belted out with gusto - accompanied by a brass band with very, very shiny instruments. Someone's had the Brasso out.

'Morgan can excite the crowd'

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales back, BBC Two Wales

"Matthew Morgan can bring the X-factor when he comes on. He can break the game up. I hope he gets a run out and causes excitement for the crowd."

Fire and flags

BBC Sport's Richard Williams in Cardiff: "Fire, flags and deafening music. It’s the familiar but nevertheless impressive pre-match routine in Cardiff. Hopefully the game will match.

"Oh, and fireworks."

Italy line-up

Italy:  Andrea Masi; Leonardo Sarto, Luca Morisi, Gonzalo Garcia, Giovanbattista Venditti; Tommaso Allan, Edoardo Gori, Michele Rizzo, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Martin Castrogiovanni, Quintin Geldenhuys, Josh Furno, Alessandro Zanni, Sergio Parisse (capt), Francesco Minto.

Replacements:  Andrea Manici, Matias Aguero, Lorenzo Cittadini, Valerio Bernabo', Samula Vunisa, Guglielmo Palazzani, Carlo Canna, Luke McLean.

Wales line-up

BBC

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), George North (Northampton), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Dominic Day (Bath), James King (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt).

Replacements: Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Paul James (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Bath), Matthew Morgan (Bristol).

Wales coach Warren Gatland speaking to BBC Two Wales: "I'm looking for a step up. Last week, we had the ball in play for 42-and-a-half minutes. If we can replicate that with good tempo, we can put in a good performance today.

"I don't think Sam Warburton has anything to prove. He had a brilliant Six Nations for us. Justin Tipuric was man of the match last week, but Sam put in man-of-the-match performances for us during the Six Nations."

'Ireland a bit lacklustre'

Ex-Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC radio 5 live:

"It’s not the worst thing (to lose), they want a bit more focus but they did play better after 30 minutes.  They were a bit lacklustre and they need to focus on what their best team is. They need to wipe the floor with Canada and Romania, and focus on the big games against Italy and France later."

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'A good reaction'

England's Jonny May, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live:

"We expected a reaction to France today, and we gave it. There’s a couple of things to tidy up on but we’re pleased."

BBC Sport's Richard Williams in Cardiff: "I have never been to a louder stadium than this. And it’s about the only place in the country where some crashing rock music can be followed by the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco.

"Welcome to Wales, the land of rocking beats and opera - almost at the same time.

"Still, if Italy are the visitors, then Verdi has to be on the playlist."

'England defence bodes well'

Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half

“This is how we want England to play, we know they can. They are learning, playing at home will be a huge advantage but they have some tweaks to make.

“If they are disciplined, and defend like they did today they have got a decent chance come World Cup time.”

AP

'Alarm bells not ringing'

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell speaking to Sky Sports:

"We started poorly, we kept dropping the ball, and you cannot accumulate those sorts of losses and expect to do well. Alarm bells are not ringing, but we are very disappointed, we have fallen short of a lot of things we want to do in the last three games."

The six-point score

BBC Sport's Richard Williams in Cardiff: "Aside from this match, today is a remarkable day in Welsh rugby for another reason - and pub quiz fans should listen up.

"Alex Webber of Pontypridd became the first player to score a six-point try when he crossed the whitewash against Llanelli in the Principality Premiership today.

"The match was the first played under experimental rules which awards six points for a try and two points for all kicks - including penalties and drop-goals.

"It could be the future of the international game if World Rugby is happy with the experiment."

Wales v Italy is coming up. You can watch it live on BBC Two Wales or by using the video at the top of this page. You can listen on BBC Radio Wales too.

'Not clinical enough'

Reuters

England captain Chris Robshaw, speaking to Sky Sports: "It's great to be back at home. When we play at home, we can be pretty good when we stick to our systems. Discipline was an issue for us two weeks ago. 

"We put Ireland under pressure today, and it was a great dress rehearsal before the big one in two weeks' time. Potentially, we left two tries out there by not being clinical enough. But overall, we're pretty pleased with how things went today."

England 21-13 Ireland (FT)

Ireland can be pleased with their improvement in that second half and clipped the wind out of England's sails. The last 20 minutes or so are pretty much a write off, with the rhythm affected by all the changes.

Today's attendance

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Full-time

Sam Burgess causing havoc with a big hit on Ian Madigan, which frees the ball. Ireland scamper into defence and concede the line-out, which England use to draw the whistle.

PA

Former Ireland skipper Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live: 

"If this was a serious, serious international there is no way Paul O'Connell would be on the bench now."

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Penalty (Owen Farrell)

Tough one this. It's far out to the right but Farrell clips inside the far post.

England 18-13 Ireland

Ireland make a mess of this. They gamble by chucking it around in their own half and then don't release at the breakdown. England can finish it off with the upcoming penalty.

England 18-13 Ireland

Owen Farrell and Sam Burgess combine in midfield and try to tee up Courtney Lawes - but it's tricky one to hold on to and he concedes the scrum with a knock-on.

Penalty (Owen Farrell)

Breathing room for England. It's straight through the posts from Owen Farrell, whose kick is from a few yards to the left of the posts.

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Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half

"I think the England bench have all looked good in the second half, that's been a bit of a bonus. For Ireland, having had two games in a row like this will stand them in good stead for the World Cup."

England 15-13 Ireland

...and they win a penalty from it. Owen Farrell steps up.

England 15-13 Ireland

Ten minutes to sort out the men from the boys.

Jonny May almost gets lucky with a ricochet off his boot but it trickles out of play. Rolling maul now from England...

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Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half

"If it took them three minutes to decide on a forward pass, we could be here until 8pm!"

No try

We could argue forever whether Wigglesworth wiggled over. It's very close. But it doesn't matter.

Two phases back Tom Wood has taken the ball out of the ruck from an offside position - which makes the officials' job a lot easier.

Try review

Has Richard Wigglesworth crept over for England? We're going upstairs.

England 15-13 Ireland

Madigan is introduced to the action by a trademark Courtney Lawes tackle. Jared Payne makes some yards but Jonathan Joseph stops him in his tracks and Chris Robshaw regains English possession.

Replacement

Johnny Sexton makes way - Ian Madigan will slot in at 10. Can he spark an Irish win?

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England 15-13 Ireland

Johnny Sexton tests that calf muscle almost immediately, this time getting more purchase on his clearance.

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live:  "Johnny Sexton hasn't played a huge amount of rugby recently, and he's easing his way back into it. He's been pretty decent today."

England 15-13 Ireland

Somebody must have hijacked Johnny Sexton's boot as he spoons a clearance out of play. It looks like he has some cramp - there are not many replacements left so he'll have to soldier on.

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England 15-13 Ireland

Sam Burgess makes his first contribution of the game - it's a forward offload. It would have been very useful if it went in the right direction.

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England 15-13 Ireland

England send a penalty to the corner from Owen Farrell's boot.

Ireland have rung the changes too - Chris Henry and Richardt Strauss are on.

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live: "Ireland were disappointing in the first half. They haven't done a huge amount today and yet they're still in the game. They're a frustrating team to play against."

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Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"England needed to make some changes there. They were out on their feet. Ireland had no right to turn that ball over."

England 15-13 Ireland

England have woken up. They go through numerous phases and George Ford fades into space but is just picked off.

Ireland turn it over though and have a brilliant chance to counter - but Robbie Henshaw inexplicably chucks it forwards.

England empty out the bench with the Vunipola brothers on, as well as Sam Burgess and Owen Farrell.

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Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live: "It's about time the forwards got in on the act. There was a lovely soft move around the back. Paul O'Connell's body position was perfect. A great score."

Tom Court, ex-Ireland prop on BBC Radio Ulster:

"Trust Paul O’Connell to get Ireland back into the game. England were caught short and nobody would stop him from there."

PA

England 15-13 Ireland

How quickly things change, eh? Ireland are rejuvenated - a hundred times better than in the first half.

Mike Brown has hit the ground and looked in pain. He's back up though and is part of an England attack that is snuffed out as Johnny Sexton rips the ball off Tom Wood 10 yards out.

Try (Paul O'Connell, con Johnny Sexton)

Very nifty try this from Ireland. Devin Toner towers to win the line-out. Peter O'Mahony and Jamie Heaslip combine to rumble close to the line. Paul O'Connell is on hand to pick up the scraps and wriggle over.

It's a simple conversion for Johnny Sexton.

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Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Ireland just about had the edge in the scrums in the first half, but England have sorted it out with a little tweaking. That's what's stood out for me. England have been so strategically right. There were only four missed tackles and seven turnovers in that first half. Those are the statistics that win you matches."

Penalty (Johnny Sexton)

It's right in front of the posts and Sexton does as you would expect him to.

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England 15-3 Ireland

This is as close as Ireland have come to the English line after Dave Kearney's superb take of a high ball. Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien and Paul O'Connell all make charges for the line. In the end England concede the penalty...

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Penalty (George Ford)

The angle is slightly to the right, but it's the distance that almost scuppers Ford. Just like Johnny Sexton in the first half, it's off the crossbar and over.

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England 12-3 Ireland

England throttle that Ireland pressure by winning a penalty at the scrum. George Ford will go for the posts...

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England 12-3 Ireland

Ireland will feel much better after enjoying a period of possession at the start of the half. Plenty of phases and a brief moment of quick hands from Devin Toner. Simon Zebo loses patience and tries to kick through, but it's in English hands.

Meanwhile, Geoff Parling is off and Joe Launchbury is on in the second row for England.

Reuters

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live: "It took Ireland 30 minutes to wake up. At half-time, the scoreboard wrongly said 22-3, but it felt like that could have been the score. I think Ireland got away with it in the first half."

History against the Irish?

PA

Kick-off

Johnny Sexton gets us under way. Ireland should have kept possession but knock on.

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Paddy: "England looking good...but so would any team playing this awful Irish team. Ireland are an aged, flat, mistake-stricken team. Back to the wooden spoon days on the horizon."

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live:  "I'm a bit of an old grump at the best of times. I don't expect everything to be slick, but I do expect a level of intensity. The intensity on the defensive line is central to everything Ireland do. They weren't quick enough off the line, and it exposes a lot of other flaws in their game.

"What concerns me is that Ireland will then focus on working on those flaws. I don't want them to work on those flaws, I want them to work on their speed off the line."

Roof on in Cardiff

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BBC Sport's Richard Williams in Cardiff: "Much quieter in Cardiff than a normal match day. But there are still two hours for the patriotic charity collectors to fill their buckets before the match kicks off at the Millennium Stadium. Oh, and before anybody asks, the roof will be closed."

You can watch the game by the way on BBC Two Wales - or right here at the top of this text commentary from 1655 BST.

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Right. It seems a load of you are on your holibobs somewhere wonderful. I'm not jealous at all of course. And in fact I'm delighted you're tuning in with us. Feel free to  keep your poolside pics coming.

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Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"I thought England were a little bit lucky with that last move of the first half. Anthony Watson came out of his line, and had the pass gone in front of Dave Kearney, he may well have scored."

Tom Court, ex-Ireland prop on BBC Radio Ulster:

"There’s a lot of tired big boys out there, it’s been a fast-paced game and a lot of boys are trying to catch their breath."

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live:  "I'm struck by the lack of sharpness in the Ireland side. Tommy Bowe and Jamie Heaslip are puffing a bit. They don't seem to be up to the top level of fitness - although they did have a tough match a week ago."

Half-time

Reuters

Ireland give the England defence its most thorough test just before half-time.

There's a lovely quick show of hands from Peter O'Mahony, I believe, as the ball courses out to Dave Kearney. But the wing is slightly hesitant and as Ireland try to build again, Sean O'Brien knocks on.

Time for a breather.

England 12-3 Ireland

Mike Brown is sublime and messy in one breathe there. He snaps in to take a Johnny Sexton kick, but his offload to Jonny May forces a knock-on and an Irish scrum in a good position.

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England 12-3 Ireland

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Ben Youngs - top kicking, sir. His effort to the corner is a deep as you can get. Ireland retain possession from the line-out and Simon Zebo clears his lines well.

Before that Jonny May showed why he should run more and pass less - charging 20 yards before messing up his throw to Anthony Watson.

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Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live:  "Ireland are edging the scrum. All the palaver over the England try that wasn't seems to have shifted the momentum in their direction."

Tom Court, ex-Ireland prop, BBC Radio Ulster

"The big thing is England are being quite smart around the breakdown, Ireland are committing extra numbers to the breakdown and that’s leaving them short."

Reuters

England 12-3 Ireland

Anthony Watson sees green, green grass in front of him and dances inside off the touchline, but Jonny Sexton hauls him down with a timely tackle.

England 12-3 Ireland

Geoff Parling soars into the air and steals the Irish line-out. The Exeter man has been brought in to improve that area of the game for England - mission accomplished.

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England 12-3 Ireland

Anthony Watson cannot deal with a Jared Payne grubber and England concede a penalty. Jonny Sexton puts it right into the corner...

England 12-3 Ireland

Sluggish and lacking intensity from Ireland. England let them off the hook with that forward pass.

Ireland finally get near the England 22 but concede a scrum.

What's this? Ireland nick it - only to give it away again. Frustrating stuff.

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Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Nigel Owens was staring at a 50-feet TV screen in the stadium. Why didn't he just make the call himself? It was ridiculous that it took so long to call that pass forward."

A quick note: Owens is refereeing. Romain Poite, who we mentioned was having treatment earlier, is running the line - and in fact he should have spotted that without the replay

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Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"The ball ended up in Tom Youngs' hands, and he's chucked that forward a good metre-and-a-half. There's no way that could be given as a try."

Disallowed try

Hold on, the television ref wants to look at this...

This is such a shame for Jonny May, who literally skips over to finish off a flowing, sumptuous England move. But just as George Ford is lining up the conversion, it's ruled out. Replays show that the final pass from Tom Youngs is ever so forward. Marginal, but correct.  

The boos around Twickenham would suggest that many disagree,

Reuters

England 12-3 Ireland

Speaking of head injuries, Tom Youngs looks a little groggy. But he's OK and takes a line-out deep in Irish territory. It's not great and loops over everyone, but England gather and build,

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live:  "If you don't have the ball, you can't do a whole lot with it, and Ireland have been in their own half for much of the game so far."

Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"England gave away a lot of penalties in France - but they've only given away two in the opening 20 minutes here. That's a significant improvement."

England 12-3 Ireland

Reddan goes for a box kick, which Mike Brown is underneath. He's coping with a lot of pressure but manages to make the mark - great full-back play.

Reddan will carry on, as Conor Murray will not be returning after his blow to the head.

England 12-3 Ireland

Ireland finally get some hands on the ball and hit a few phases. Reddan looks to have slipped in comfortably. Courtney Lawes thinks he's turned it over at the breakdown, but he's penalised and Ireland send it out for an attacking line-out.

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England 12-3 Ireland

England with a scrum in the middle of the park now. 

Ireland meanwhile have lost scrum-half Conor Murray to get a head injury looked at. Eoin Reddan is on.

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Tom Court, ex-Ireland prop on BBC Radio Ulster:

"George Ford weighted that kick nicely, there was not enough pressure on him so he had the time to drop it into the corner. Zebo was back-pedalling and Watson’s grabbed it out of his hands.

"Ireland will be fired up, they need to score next."

AP

Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Turn back the clock. That was like the England of old with those cross-field kicks. George Ford slotted one into the pocket there - it was so precise from England. The timing of the jump was excellent from Anthony Watson. Simon Zebo is good in the air, but when he's out of position, he has a different mindset as to where the ball is coming from, and England exploited that."

Try (Anthony Watson, missed con, George Ford)

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Tremendous from England.

They have a go at a driving maul. It's going nowhere, but they have a plan B.

It comes out to George Ford and his cross-field kick is weighted like Angel Delight. Anthony Watson goes up with Simon Zebo - there's one winner as the England wing muscles it into his hands, hits the floor and wriggles over.

Ford's conversion is probably easier than his first, but he misses.

Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Super skills from Jonny May. He's got the bit between his teeth. He knows he's fighting for his place. England are wanting to attack. They're quite precise in everything they do. Very few mistakes."

England 7-3 Ireland

I might as well just copy and paste Simon Zebo's name continuously. He's played a full 80 minutes in 12 minutes. This time he's scampering to chase Jonny May's grubber kick through and beats the wing to the ball and puts it out for a line-out.

Tom Court, ex-Ireland prop forward

"England have come out firing, they’ve shown a lot of energy and enthusiasm and Ireland have been caught napping."

Reuters

England 7-3 Ireland

England fans will be pleased to know that the home side's line-out is looking a million times firmer than two weeks ago. Simon Zebo gives them the chance to practice it once more - although the full-back's kick is perfectly placed to bounce just before the touchline,

Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Every time Simon Zebo gets the ball, he's getting smashed. Sometimes it's very close to being after the ball. You know he's one of the guys who's been on the England flipchart before the game, and the message is: 'Every time he gets the ball, I want someone in his face.' He's definitely being targeted."

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England 7-3 Ireland

England are honing in on Simon Zebo. Every time the Ireland full-back has the ball there is an army of white shirts charging at him. It forces Zebo into another rushed kick and an England line-out.

Meanwhile, referee Romain Poite is receiving some treatment...

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live: "Ireland's defence was too slow for too many phases of that play for the try - and then too quick at the end when they rushed out."

Penalty (Jonny Sexton)

Ireland needed this. And talk about accuracy. Jonny Sexton's penalty from the right dinks on to the top of the crossbar... and over.

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Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"Brilliant control from England. Youngs and Ford are ruling the first three or four minutes, and the ball Ben Youngs popped over the top for Jonny May was the difference. How many times have we complained about England not being in the game in the first five minutes? Completely the opposite this time."

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Try (Jonny May, con George Ford)

Well, despite almost messing up the line-out, England have produced a superb period of pressure and phases to go over.

England players took it turns to crash into Irish bodies, until Ben Youngs looped out left to Jonny May - he goes through Tommy Bowe and Simon Zebo with a wonderful finish.

George Ford converts from a tight-ish angle.

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Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live:  "Simon Zebo is a really good left-footed option for Ireland when they need to escape the 22. He got smashed from the kick-off, but he was up on his feet very quickly."

Kick-off

England send the kick-off right down the middle and it's down the throat of Simon Zebo. He sends it back and puts it straight out of touch for an England line-out in Irish territory.

'England have had a good week'

Matt Dawson

Former England Scrum Half on BBC Radio 5 live

"England will be be fired up. They'll be looking forward to it. They've had a really good week, which has been tapered down to get everyone as mentally fit as they can. They'll want to put on a performance today that is spot on."

Ireland line-up

Ireland: Simon Zebo (Munster); Tommy Bowe (Ulster), Jared Payne (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Dave Kearney (Leinster); Johnny Sexton (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster); Jack McGrath (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster); Devin Toner (Leinster), Paul O'Connell (Munster) capt; Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Sean O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster).

Replacements: Richardt Strauss (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Nathan White (Connacht), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Darren Cave (Ulster).

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England line-up

England:  Mike Brown (Harlequins); Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby); George Ford (Bath Rugby), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers); Joe Marler (Harlequins), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Geoff Parling, Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Chris Robshaw (capt, Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby).

Replacements:  Jamie George (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Sam Burgess (Bath Rugby).

Anthems

Chests pushed out. Eyes bulging with passion. The white and green halves of Twickenham give it their all.

Here's another reminder of the line-ups...

Bolt advises Ireland

AFP

Wait. Ireland have Usain Bolt on their side? England are done for...

Former Ireland captain Keith Wood on BBC Radio 5 live: "Usain Bolt was involved in a Q&A with the Ireland players last night. He may be the coolest man on the planet. It's something Ireland like to do before a World Cup - to get someone in from a different walk of life to talk to the players. Before the 2003 World Cup, we had Marvelous Marvin Hagler come in and talk to us.

"It just builds up that level of self-belief you need. The guys who come in to talk have worked unbelievably hard over a long period of time. If you can pick up any bits of advice from those guys, of course you're going to listen."

Get Involved

We're asking you for one thing you want to see from your team today.

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'A tasty battle'

Tom Court, ex-Ireland prop forward

"Ireland are at  pretty much at full strength, but England are still trying to find their perfect combination, both in the forwards and the backs. It should be a tasty battle."

Keep across the action

BBC Radio 5 Live

You can listen to England v Ireland in a couple of ways with us this afternoon.

There's full commentary on BBC Radio 5 live or, if you'd prefer a more Irish view on things, you'll probably want to listen to BBC Radio Ulster.

You can select either by clicking the Live Coverage tab on this very page.

'An anxious time'

Out-muscled?

The TV is showing close-ups of England forwards coach Graham Rowntree, whose cauliflower ears seem apposite given the team's set-piece problems against France two weeks ago. Will that be sorted today? Ear's hoping, Graham.

'It feels like a Test match'

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England head coach Stuart Lancaster, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "It's crucial for both teams to win. It doesn't feel like a warm-up; it feels like a test match, with two quality teams going at full strength. 

"We were disappointed with our discipline in Paris. We need to improve on that.

"It's about getting the detail right, the big moments in games. To win the World Cup, you've got top hit the top percentage for seven games in a row."

Paul O'Connell - in a field of his own

Conor McNamara

BBC Radio 5 live commentator

An update on the focused or focussed 'debate'. Three BBC sub-editors have just lambasted me for even suggesting it could be spelt (or is that spelled?) with two S's.

Although I would point them towards this from Wiktionary:

1. The spelling  focused  is much more common in the US; however, the spelling  focussed  is sometimes used in the UK and Canada, and is especially common in Australia and New Zealand.

Anyway, back to the rugby.

(Not that Chris would dream of using Wiktionary over the BBC style guide - ed)

'We need to get the basics right'

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Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live: "I think we took the positives out of the defeat against Wales last weekend, and we want to work on that. I suspect it will be a really good contest today between two teams wanting to go into the World Cup with a win.

"In a match such as this, everyone wants to win. But it's important to remember there's a bigger thing coming.

"For us, it's about getting the basics right, especially around the breakdowns and set-pieces. That will give us confidence going into the World Cup."

Get Involved

Right. Did we mention the World Cup is around the corner? Well if we didn't, it is.

And today is the last chance to iron out any last-minute creases or kinks before launching an assault on the trophy.

So, we have a simple question for you:

You're the head coach. What one thing do you want to see from your team today to give you hope of a successful World Cup?

Dominance at the breakdown? Lively in the line-out? Blistering backs?

Tell us using #bbcrugby on Twitter or by texting us on 81111 (tell us your name and location).

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Ireland line-up

Ireland:  Simon Zebo (Munster); Tommy Bowe (Ulster), Jared Payne (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht), Dave Kearney (Leinster); Johnny Sexton (Leinster), Conor Murray (Munster); Jack McGrath (Leinster), Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster); Devin Toner (Leinster), Paul O'Connell (Munster) capt; Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Sean O'Brien (Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster).

Replacements:  Richardt Strauss (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Nathan White (Connacht), Donnacha Ryan (Munster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Eoin Reddan (Leinster), Ian Madigan (Leinster), Darren Cave (Ulster).

England line-up

England:  Mike Brown (Harlequins); Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby); George Ford (Bath Rugby), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers); Joe Marler (Harlequins), Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Geoff Parling, Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Chris Robshaw (capt, Harlequins), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby).

Replacements:  Jamie George (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Owen Farrell (Saracens), Sam Burgess (Bath Rugby).

England are focus(s)ed

A nice insight into the England camp from earlier today.

But, more importantly, it has triggered a debate at BBC Towers around the use of focused or focussed... feel free to discuss that one among yourselves.

And there's more

It's the final stop before the World Cup, which begins in 13 days' time. And here's the delicious menu of full-on rugby you can expect today.

We'll be here for the duration. Will you?

England v Ireland (14:30 BST)

Wales v Italy (17:00 BST)

France v Scotland (20:00 BST)

There's also Georgia v Japan at 16:45 BST if you really can't cope with a few minutes vacated of any action.

It's just a warm-up...

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...so the result doesn't matter. It's all about performances and expression of creativity and executing technical plans.

Anyone buying that? Nah, me neither.

Yes, it's the last game before the World Cup. Yes, it's a marker for how teams look before the tournament. But, when we peel back the veneered layers of management speak, this is England against Ireland.

And I, for one, can't wait.