Paul O'Connell
Former Ireland captain on BBC One

I don't think this wet weather is going to suit the Welsh. The French have picked a massive pack of forwards. There's going to be a lot of scrums and a lot of turnover ball, which is really going to suit the French.

Image source, Reuters

Wayne Barnes get the nod from an unseen television bod, counts off 15 men on each side and toots his whistle.

Gareth Anscombe's kick is safely gathered by Louis Picamoles and we are underway.

Shane Williams
Former Wales international on BBC Radio 5 live

Wales are in a good place at the moment and they will be confident going into this game. We don't really know what this French team is going to dish up for 80 minutes, but Warren Gatland is smiling and the rest of the boys will follow him.

France finish off their tune.

Quick check on the two debutants.

South-African born lock Paul Williemse knows the words.

Young shaver Romain Ntamack is wispy of chin and frame...

We are ready for the off.

Thomas Castaignede
Former France international on BBC One

It's a very strange atmosphere. It's the first time I've seen the stadium not full. There's only 60,000 and there's normally 80,000.

We need a big win and a big tournament to go into the World Cup.

The pyro spurts skywards as the two teams trot out side by side.

Still spitting with rain.

The Stade de France PA system, set to usual Spinal Tap levels, finally switches off to allow a military brass band to take us through the anthems.

Sam Warburton
Former Wales captain on BBC One

It's wide open. Ireland are front-runners but there are four teams who can compete.

Scotland will be in with a chance if they can get away wins so those final two games are going to be really interesting.

BBC Radio 5 live

Here are Paul Grayson's BBC Radio 5 live commentary notes for this evening.

Thorough.

Have a little look at the sheet on the right. It seems he has predicted all of England, Ireland and France's games for the tournament.

And it is a sure and certain cross for England in Dublin tomorrow.

You can listen live via this very page, your digital television, the wireless, take your pick.

England made a statement of intent as they opened their Women's Six Nations campaign with an eight-try 51-7 win over Ireland earlier today.

Judging by England's performance in Dublin, their new professional set-up is already paying dividends as eight different players scored tries.

Next week, England face champions France in Doncaster.

Image source, Getty

Speaking on BBC One, Wales head coach Warren Gatland said:

"You’ve got to be confident in yourself and the way we’ve prepared. If I can show that confidence and the players hear that, it makes a difference.

"It’s probably the best position we’ve been in looking ahead to the Six Nations and the rest of the year.

"It’s an unusual French team. They’ve picked the biggest forward pack they can get their hands on, but then the backs aren’t the biggest.

"We’ve got to be smart and keep the ball on the park and front up physically. It’s going to be a real challenge for us."

Simon Gleave
Head of sports analysis, Gracenote

Image source, Getty Images

The France team has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis over the last year with only three players (Jefferson Poirot, Sébastien Vahaamahina and Wenceslas Lauret) starting this evening who also started in the 14-13 defeat by Wales in Cardiff in 2018. Only five of the 2019 matchday squad were also in the 23 for that match last year.

Thomas Castaignede
Former France international on BBC One

France are in the worst situation. We didn't win any games in the autumn internationals.

We need a big win to come back to the international level.

Michael Willman: Yes yes YES!!! It's Six Nations time and so pumped!! Proud Irishman but rooting for Wales, external tonight and loving BBC rugby coverage - best sporting tournament in the world starts tonight.

JJ Maddock: Finally! Six Nations time! CMON WALES!

Kian: Wales are going to get a Grand Slam!!!!

Simon Gleave
Head of sports analysis, Gracenote

Image source, Gracenote

Romain Ntamack is the 12th teenager to play in the Six Nations Championship since Italy joined the competition in 2000.

George North and Gaël Fickou, both of whom play this evening, hold the record for most Six Nations matches as a teenager (6).

Ireland have not blooded any teenagers. England's golden boy endured a difficult Six Nations christening in Cardiff...

Image source, Getty

Thomas Castaignede
Former France international on BBC One

Romain Ntamack is going to bring confidence. Everybody is expecting a lot from him, he is replacing Mathieu Bastareaud.

He is maybe not as powerful as Bastareaud, but he is a good defender.

Image source, Getty

Romain Ntamack, who starts at inside centre tonight, was part of the France team that lifted the World U-20 Championship this summer.

Replacement prop Demba Bamba was also part of that team.

They are plenty more who could be due a call up soon as well.

Look out for Racing number eight Jordan Joseph and Toulon fly-half Louis Carbonel, who Jacques Brunel might call upon later in the tournament.

The countdown to kick-off started early for TV host and Wales fan Carol Vorderman.

And Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas got in on the action too. A perfect Gif to capture the feeling of a nation.

This is a nice little video giving insight on what Warren Gatland is like from the point of view of a journalist, a coaching colleague, a player and his own daughter.

Apparently he hates scary films and will deliver your washing ironed and folded on the end of your bed. Probably just if you are his offspring that though.

Image source, Getty

Possession is nine-tenths of selection when it comes to Wales backline it seems.

Warren Gatland was asked about his decision to keep Gareth Anscombe at fly-half ahead of Dan Biggar and, despite Anscombe's very solid autumn, did not give a ringing endorsement.

"If we left Gareth out and put Dan in, potentially Gareth could be thinking, 'What have I done wrong?' And does that knock his confidence a little bit for us going forward?

"By leaving Dan out at the moment, it is not going to knock his confidence because he is just going to wait for that opportunity when he does get a start.

"So it was more of a non-rugby decision than an actual rugby decision."

OK. I think...

Image source, Getty Images

By the way, the heavens have opened in Paris. Gats has got his hood up...