England’s Wayne Barnes is today’s referee.

The barrister blows his whistle and, with Ireland captain Johnny Sexton taking the kick-off, the match is underway.

Anthems don't get any less strange inside empty grounds.

Recordings of crowds singing the anthems played on the stadium sound system helped, but it's still an eerie experience.

Any chance you could keep those flame-throwers on during the game please?

Sam Warburton
Former Wales captain on BBC One

Ireland on paper and on 2020 form should win the game, but as we know, that doesn't always happen...

Richie Rees
Former Wales international on BBC Radio Wales

If you talk to any bookmaker or anyone within the game, they'll probably be honest and tell you that Ireland are clear favourites.

You've just got to go and put your best foot forward. Go and do what your do well, both individually and collectively, and give yourselves the best opportunity of getting that victory.

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton discusses where the game will be won today.

David Humphreys
Former Ireland fly-half on BBC Radio Ulster

It is one of the best places you can play rugby anywhere in the world. It doesn't get any better than standing for the anthems ahead of a Six Nations game in Cardiff and the atmosphere is usually incredible. There were two away wins yesterday and the lack of spectators will be to Ireland's advantage but Cardiff is still a tough place to come and win.

Those flame-throwers on the side of the pitch are most welcome today.

With the roof open and a biting wind in the air, it is absolutely freezing inside the Principality Stadium.

The players are back out on the pitch for the anthems.

Ian Gough
Former Wales international on BBC Radio Wales

Who would have thought Scotland would go down to Twickenham yesterday and put in such a performance and belittle that English side?

That's what can happen if you turn up and your opposition doesn't get up into the 90%.

Wales fought back from 13-0 down to draw 16-16 against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in the 2016 Six Nations.

Image source, Getty Images

Wales centre Jonathan Davies will not only miss today's opener against Ireland, but also next weekend's trip to Murrayfield to face Scotland.

The British and Irish Lion has been plagued by injury in recent years, the most recent a problem with his ankle.

He is expected to be in contention to face England on 27 February in Cardiff.

Image source, Getty Images

Ian Gough
Former Wales international on BBC Radio Wales

You could rewind the clock 10 years and still have a back row of Taulupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric and Dan Lydiate.

It's a big call from Wayne Pivac but ultimately the top end of high-performance sport is about winning and I'm sure that's all he's got in his mind this weekend.

Speaking to BBC One, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell: "We have prepared well. We all know the importance of getting off to a good start, but so do Wales."

On the best bit about Paul O'Connell joining the coaching team: "Just being himself is why he is in the coaching ticket. He has added to the group. It's his first game so I'm sure he is nervous but it's the best place to be.

"We have some big name players that are back fit again. The slate is wiped clean and we are ready for a big game."

Jamie Heaslip
Former Ireland number eight on BBC One

Ireland have come here to win. With the squad depth they have, they have picked a team that can do it.

There is that theme of the elder statesmen, and the gap between them and everyone else. You can be sure Johnny Sexton isn't going to give it over, so the young guys have to take it.

Sam Warburton
Former Wales captain on BBC One

For Wales [in recent years], the stalwarts and the Lions players have been quieter than normal but the young guys haven't quite stepped up.

It can happen this year, but the youngsters have to really step up and the Lions boys have to recapture their form of recent years.

With kick-off fast approaching, there's just enough time to test yourself with our Wales by numbers quiz.

Image source, Getty Images

Today's commentator, Wales dual-code great Jonathan Davies, captures the atmosphere - or lack of - inside the Principality Stadium.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

A Six Nations match day in Cardiff is usually inescapable, an all-consuming carnival with a packed Principality Stadium its epicentre.

But the choirs and marching bands feel a distant memory today as Wales and Ireland prepare to do battle behind closed doors at the 74,500-capacity arena.

It's a year since Wales last played at the Principality Stadium, which in the meantime has been used as a field hospital during the coronavirus pandemic.

Wales are back home but, as this piece details, home will not feel the same.

BBC 5 Live Sport discusses the influence captains Alun Wyn Jones and Johnny Sexton have on their sides.

Sam Warburton
Former Wales captain on BBC One

I only live four miles from of the stadium and I usually have to leave hours before kick off to get here.

It takes me ages to get into town with road diversions, but it only took me 10 minutes today. It's a strange feeling.