Good news and bad news for France in the aftermath of that try.

Firstly, it looks like Virimi Vakatawa came very close to putting his foot into touch as he stepped inside to score.

Secondly, Northampton-bound number eight Louis Picamoles has picked up a muscle strain. He is replaced by Yacouba Camara - a rangy athletic youngster worth watching. 

Jonathan Davies
Former dual code international on BBC One

"That's such a classy finish. If there's one thing Virimi Vakatawa can do it's finish, he made it look easy.

"A left-foot step close to the touchline, holds the man up and a great finish."

The visitors have dominated territory and possession in the opening stages.

Image source, Opta

Sebastien Bezy's kick sails way, way wide to the sound of grumbles from the stands.

Guy Noves' brave new age is not going to plan just yet.

Penalty to France. Scrum-half Sebastien Bezy is the man on kicking duty and points to the sticks.

It is a tricky shot...  

Carlo Del Fava
Former Italy international on BBC One

"It's very structured from Italy and their decision making on how to exit their own 22 is perfect. It's very methodical and very structured."

Image source, AFP

Italy centre Gonzalo Garcia is briefly struggling, but has hobbled back into position.

A big beard for a back. The lumberjack look is less popular out there in the open spaces.

There she blows!

The first points of the 2016 Six Nations as Carlo Canna drops back into the pocket and strokes over the dropper.

Italy have deserved no less.

Image source, AFP

The Stade de France will not like what they are seeing in the first 10 minutes.

Italy are dominating contact and running hard and straight.

Jonathan Davies
Former dual code international

"That's the plan, the French winger Virimi Vakatawa doesn't commit to the high ball. He hasn't played 15-a-side for so long so they have to target him."

Image source, AFP

So close!

A cunning plan from the Italians as Edoardo Gori puts the bomb up directly over the top of French sevens specialist Virimi Vakatawa.

He won't have seen many of those recently.

Leonardo Sarto very nearly claims it over the top of the France wing, just spilling forward with the line beckoning five metres away.

France flanker Wenceslas Lauret heads into contact too high and too slow and is kept aloft by the python-like arms of Sergio Parisse.

Turnover to Italy. Play on halfway.

And not enough kids called Wenceslas nowadays. 

Jonathan Davies
Former dual code international on BBC One

"If Guy Noves can replicate what he did at Toulouse at international level it will be a very successful France. I think it will be far less structured side under Noves."

Image source, AFP

Italy up to within five! Enterprising play from the stand-off Carlo Canna and a clever break from Exeter's Michele Campagnaro.

But there is an accidental offside in there somewhere and the possession switches to French hands.

Image source, AFP

JP Doyle is the man on whistle duty today.

The Irishman counts off the numbers - 15 each - and we are go.

I'm none too sure about these new red, white and blue France shirts by the way. Looks like Virimi Vakatawa brought them with him from the sevens circuit.

Image source, AFP

Two absolute corking tunes to get the neck hair bristling.

Italy first. 6/10. Plenty of passion, but a lack of backing.

France next. A nine. At least. 

The Stade de France shouts its defiance into the grey Parisian sky and we are almost ready for the off.

Keith Wood
Former Ireland captain

"I think the Six Nations needs a French team that excites, it doesn't just bludgeon. It's what French rugby is all about."

Image source, AFP

This is the first match played at the Stade de France since the terrorist attacks in Paris in November. There is a heavy security presence as you would expect.

France are already in the tunnel.

Italy are keeping them waiting.

A French official warily pushes open the dressing room door. A cameraman pokes a tentative lens round the corner and reveals Sergio Parisse shouting some final exhortations.

That cameraman quickly starts backing up as Parisse and his men break out of their huddle and head for the fresh air.