Exeter's Michele Campagnaro is having a good Six Nations.

He envelops Jared Payne like a giant meat duvet, taking man, ball and turnover to secure possession for Italy inside the Ireland 22.

Image source, PA

Keith Earls cops a mouthful of David Odiete's head as the two men fly together in the tackle.

The crowd groan as the collision is replayed in slo-motion on the big screen, but the Ireland wing is up and running after a moment to collect his senses.

Ireland have now scored two tries - check out their first one, scored by winger Andrew Trimble.

Sergio Parisse is summoned for a talking-to by referee Angus Gardner.

"Three penalties for your men falling on the wrong side, another and you are going to lose someone," says the official.

Ireland with the penalty - 15 metres out - and they are going to rumble with it...

Reggie Corrigan
Former Ireland prop on BBC Radio UIster

Image source, PA

"It's been a solid start from the Irish team. There are opportunities on the outside because Italy are playing very narrow. Simon Zebo has possibly wasted a couple of opportunities already, it's almost as if he feels he has to do something special every time he gets it."

Plenty of ball, plenty of territory for Ireland in the first 15 minutes.

Image source, Opta

Italy are playing fast and loose already and that is leaving plenty of turnovers and open turf for Ireland to sniff out.

Michele Campagnaro forces the offload in traffic and his pass is intercepted.

Ireland hoof upfield and there is no-one at home for Italy.

Fortunately for them, Guglielmo Palazzani has enough wheels to beat Keith Earls in the chase back towards the bobbling ball.

"That was very sloppy work from the Italians but Trimble's finishing was excellent, showing great strength. Italy's body language and attitude isn't great, you worry about how this game is going to go for them. They're at sixes and sevens."

Reggie Corrigan, former Ireland prop on BBC Radio Ulster

Image source, Rex Features

Devin Toner swats a ball off the top of the line-out like a cat pawing a cotton reel - stealing possession against the head for Ireland.

Ireland spin wide. Simon Zebo - up from full-back - makes yards as Italy struggle to reorganise.

Image source, PA

Gonzalo Garcia in at the corner!

But the touch judge's flag pops up in the air to cut short Italy's celebrations.

The Ireland cover was across just in time, helped by some clunky passing through the hands by the Italy backs.

A let-off for the hosts. They have started sluggishly.

Ireland in at the side of the maul on halfway and that gives Italy the chance to nudge play up to the Ireland 22 metre as they safely find touch.

Davide Giazzon finds his man at the line-out and the blue shirts rumble round....

Referee Angus Gardner to take charge. First time I have seen the Aussie on the whistle. Let's see how he goes.

Debutant Edoardo Padovani's kick is safely gathered by the men in green.

Image source, Rex Features

Toni Water: Parisse a great eight of our time and Heaslip isn't that far behind. Doesn't get the credit he deserves. Big battle between those two.

Gareth Vaughan: How on earth can Joe Schmidt be under pressure? He's won two Six Nations in two seasons but this Ireland team are in transition.

Image source, Getty Images

The Italy team - stout of chest and thick of bristle - stand to attention to belt out their national tune.

Stirring choruses separated by some nice orchestral noodling in the middle.

Ireland's turn. Two tunes for the price of one and Rory Best's men clear out the lungs with a hearty rendition of Ireland's Call.

Kick-off next.

Italy: Odiete, Sarto, Campagnaro, Garcia, Bellini, Padovani, Palazzani; Lovotti, Giazzon, Cittadini, Biagi, Fuser, Minto, Zanni, Parisse.

Replacements: Fabiani, Zanusso, Chistolini, Geldenhuys, Steyn, Lucchese, Haimona, McLean.

Ireland: Zebo, Trimble, Payne, Henshaw, Earls, Sexton, Murray; McGrath, Best (capt), Ross; Ryan, Toner; Stander, Van der Flier, Heaslip.

Replacements: Cronin, Bealham, White, Dillane, Ruddock, Marmion, Madigan, McFadden.

The Daily Telegraph man is in his seat. 

Which is just as well the teams are already out for the usual drawn-out pre-match palarver at the Aviva.

Ireland president Michael Higgins is pressing the flesh.