Six Nations

Ireland have been dealt an injury setback ahead of the Six Nations opener against Wales on Saturday, with Jamison Gibson-Park ruled out with an injury.

Just Wales. [Wales v Ireland: Six Nations preview as visitors set to prevail in Cardiff arm-wrestle](https://www.planetrugby.com/news/wales-v-ireland-six-nations-preview-as-visitors-set-to-prevail-in-cardiff-arm-wrestle) [Wales](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/wales) at the Principality Stadium, which promises to be rocking as the hosts look to bounce back from a poor 2022. [Gibson-Park](https://www.planetrugby.com/tag/jamison-gibson-park)‘s combination with Johnny Sexton has been a significant plus point in [Ireland](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/ireland)‘s rise to becoming the top ranked Test side in the rugby world. [Six Nations](https://www.planetrugby.com/category/six-nations) as favourites for the title, with some predicting a possible Grand Slam for Farrell and his in-form side. [Conor Murray](https://www.planetrugby.com/tag/conor-murray) is promoted from bench duty to the run-on side while Munster team-mate Craig Casey comes on to the bench to take Murray’s original jersey.

Tune into our live blog below for updates as they happen from Saturdays opening of the 2023 Six Nations; First up, Warren Gatlands Wales host Ireland in his ...

Minute-by-minute report: Returning Wales coach Warren Gatland takes on the world No 1s. Join Lee Calvert.

Keenan is brought into the line up the left and the visitors are in the Wales 22 and up to eight phases before the red defence inevitably drift offside as they scramble manically. For Andy Farrell and Ireland it’s pretty much a CTRL-ALT-C, CTRL-ALT-V of the squad that delivered so much in 2022, with changes forced by injury in the main. The chance to kick sticks is spurned by Sexton and instead Ireland take a tap and go and take a few ramming carries up to the line from 5m. From herein expect every move, injury, strategy and selection to usher in hot takes, indications of portent, and the clanging doom of Ireland fans dreading yet another unsatisfactory exit. Faletau does a good job tidying up the scrum five to give Wales a couple of attacks in the Ireland 22. Ireland have another lineout, this time midway in the Wales half, which is batted off the top to find Ringrose in midfield with a solid carry. Warren Gatland has taken the lead of Embrace by coming back to what he knows with his (second) first Wales selection. Another first, Wales have a good scrum on the Ireland 22 and this time Hawkins comes in on a lovely crash angle to rumble up to within feet of the line. The ball spills and Rio Dyer is first to it, hacks on and chases 30 metres, but just as it looks like he’s about to flop on it to score, Hugo Keenan times his dive perfectly to get to it first and defuse the situation This time McCloskey is put into a gap and they are up into the 22 before some imprecise breakdown work allows Wales to win the ball back and clear. The ball is quick to recycle to Biggar, but he’s static, grappled in the tackle then the Irish defenders swarm the breakdown meaning the Welsh 10 can do nothing but hold on and be penalised. However, it’s notable that Ireland are putting very few into the ruck, leaving plenty defenders fanned out across the field so as the home side push it lateral a few too many times the green cover allows Lowe to push up, intercept and gallop in from 60 metres.

Wales and Ireland face off at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff to kick off the Six Nations in 2023. The two sides come into this game off the back of ...

It's looking like a tall order for Wales to get anything out of this game, according to the bookmakers. Liam Williams will replace him at the back for Wales, and joining him is exciting centre Joe Hawkins, who impressed on debut against Australia and will be looking to lay down a marker in making Wales' No. 90 mins from kick-off: Hello, and welcome to the 2023 Six Nations! Wales beat Argentina, but suffered a heavy loss to New Zealand and a second-half collapse against Australia, either side of being the victims of Georgia's first victory over a Tier 1 nation. A pass out the back from Sexton goes to ground, and Wales wing Dyer kicks it ahead. Wales do their best to keep Ireland out but the visitors' forwards continue to pound the line. 42 mins: Biggar kicks high and regathers to get Wales back on the front foot, before offloading to Morgan who bursts down the right flank. Flicks from North and Biggar give Liam Williams a clear run to the line, and the full-back flies under the posts! Three tries in just over 20 minutes for Ireland, and Sexton adds the extras to give them a huge lead already. 50 mins: Wales come forward with feeling and look to find a gap in the Irish defence. He kicks ahead looking to chase, and despite showing supreme speed for a front-rower the ball bounces into touch before he can get there! 63 mins: Wales ship the ball to the left and Dyer finds himself running into open space again.

The Leinster scrumhalf took part in the Captain's Run but word has emerged this morning that he is out with what was latterly confirmed as a hamstring injury.

The Leinster prop is apparently suffering from a hamstring issue. Ireland suffered a late blow when scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park was ruled out of the opening Six Nations Championship game against Wales at the Principality stadium (2.15pm). He will win his 101st cap.

Warren Gatland's return begins against the favourites for this year's Six Nations and the No 1 side in the world.

A long ball over the top allows Kyle Steyn a chance to stretch his legs on the right, with Scotland down into the England 22. And how they deserved it, ever dangerous in attack with Duhan van der Merwe to the fore, and defensively stern enough to retain the Calcutta Cup. England are offside twice in the movement but it matters not as the visitors sweep right and then left with fluent, fabulous rugby. Two Twickenham wins in a row for Scotland, with the Auld Enemy beaten thrice in succession for the first time in 51 years. England will need a seven-pointer of their own to snatch it. No, fine work from Scotland in the tight. A number of positives for England, with the attack showing signs to encourage home supporters and a number of standout individual showings, but Kevin Sinfield’s defensive structures clearly need much, much more bedding in. We spoke about getting our first win of the Six Nations and next week we need to take some confidence from that.” Two Twickenham wins in a row for Gregor Townsend’s team of history-makers. “We came here wanting to start the campaign on a high. As a winger you don’t get a lot of opportunities to score so I needed to take them. England hit back with two for recalled winger Max Malins then edged 13-12 ahead at half-time with a penalty by Owen Farrell.

England have not beaten Scotland at Twickenham since 2017 but an opening victory would give Borthwick the perfect start as he takes over from Eddie Jones.

A long ball over the top allows Kyle Steyn a chance to stretch his legs on the right, with Scotland down into the England 22. And how they deserved it, ever dangerous in attack with Duhan van der Merwe to the fore, and defensively stern enough to retain the Calcutta Cup. England are offside twice in the movement but it matters not as the visitors sweep right and then left with fluent, fabulous rugby. Two Twickenham wins in a row for Scotland, with the Auld Enemy beaten thrice in succession for the first time in 51 years. England will need a seven-pointer of their own to snatch it. No, fine work from Scotland in the tight. A number of positives for England, with the attack showing signs to encourage home supporters and a number of standout individual showings, but Kevin Sinfield’s defensive structures clearly need much, much more bedding in. We spoke about getting our first win of the Six Nations and next week we need to take some confidence from that.” Two Twickenham wins in a row for Gregor Townsend’s team of history-makers. “We came here wanting to start the campaign on a high. As a winger you don’t get a lot of opportunities to score so I needed to take them. England hit back with two for recalled winger Max Malins then edged 13-12 ahead at half-time with a penalty by Owen Farrell.

Minute-by-minute report: New England regime, old enemy as the Calcutta Cup kicks off the campaign for these two. Join Lee Calvert.

[Frank Slade-esque tour of pleasures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scent_of_a_Woman_(1992_film)) as his time in the job heads to a definite end sometime this coming autumn. It’s another Scotland scrum, this time midway in their own half, and the early signs are they are getting the slight upper hand in the set piece. England’s new hope has been punctured early, and the nature of the score exposed the England defensive system horribly. England have a decent set of phases in the Scotland half, with Hassell-Collins getting a sniff of a gap out left that has the door shut. England come back from the clearing kick, working the ball around the 10m line with pacey rucks and offloads before hands out right – including Genge and Ludlam with some outstandingly timed passes - find Malins to dart in and dab down. From the lineout, England are back in the Scotland 22, once again showing some nifty handling between forwards and backs. Russell creams a huge penalty punt up to the England 22 and clean possession from the lineout allows them to move the ball left and right before a low pass can’t be held by Ritchie. It gets worse for Scotland as they concede a penalty at the scrum, as they are shoved backwards and wheeled. The ball is clean off the top and Dombrandt is brought from deep on the angle to suck in the Scotland defense. The latest is England who look dynamic and busy, before Van Poortvliet takes a kick over the top option but put far too much pasty on it and it goes dead. England are back in the 22, but the ball is a little slow as they reset and go again. They do have an advantage, after Scotland spoil the ball, which they can’t capitalise on so they kick to the corner…

Warren Gatland's return as Wales head coach had no fairy-tale script, with Ireland inflicting a considerable dose of reality. They had the game won by half-time ...

Another Sexton penalty made it 27-3 at the interval, and even when Wales flanker Jac Morgan found a way over Ireland’s line, prop Andrew Porter got underneath him to prevent a try. But the visitors had no intention of slowing down, and Wales were unlocked again when Biggar’s intended pass to Williams found Lowe instead, and he sprinted clear to touch down, before Sexton again converted. Wales could not deal with Ireland’s impressive ball-carriers, and after sufficient dents had been made in the home defence, Ryan claimed their second try, with Sexton again converting.

Darcy Graham goes past Elliot Daly during last year's clash between Scotland and England. Photo / Getty. Follow all the action from the Six Nations clash ...

“This is the first game of a new coach and campaign,” Itoje said. England was its own worst enemy as it sought to eke out victory in the second half, with a dropped restart by No. There were a few things we got wrong as a team but we can fix them.

Warren Gatland's return is spoiled by Ireland as the world's number one side humble Wales in the opening Six Nations match in Cardiff.

Sexton converted and slotted over another penalty. Wales face a trip to Scotland next weekend, with Ireland hosting France in what could prove a pivotal game in the battle for the 2023 Six Nations trophy. Wales continued to attack but could not cross for a second score and Ireland demonstrated their clinical edge with Van der Flier diving over for the final score. Ireland overpowered a woeful Wales side in the first half, with the hosts repeatedly punished for ill-discipline and inaccuracy. Wales improved in the second half and responded with a Liam Williams try. Warren Gatland's return was spoiled by Ireland as the world's number one side humbled Wales in the opening Six Nations match in Cardiff.

Ben White has been given the nod at halfback, while Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones make up the midfield pairing as Harris gets the last spot on the bench. Darcy ...

Steve Borthwick takes charge of England for the first time as Scotland look to defend the Calcutta Cup on the opening weekend of the Six Nations.

A long ball over the top allows Kyle Steyn a chance to stretch his legs on the right, with Scotland down into the England 22. And how they deserved it, ever dangerous in attack with Duhan van der Merwe to the fore, and defensively stern enough to retain the Calcutta Cup. England are offside twice in the movement but it matters not as the visitors sweep right and then left with fluent, fabulous rugby. Two Twickenham wins in a row for Scotland, with the Auld Enemy beaten thrice in succession for the first time in 51 years. England will need a seven-pointer of their own to snatch it. No, fine work from Scotland in the tight. A number of positives for England, with the attack showing signs to encourage home supporters and a number of standout individual showings, but Kevin Sinfield’s defensive structures clearly need much, much more bedding in. We spoke about getting our first win of the Six Nations and next week we need to take some confidence from that.” Two Twickenham wins in a row for Gregor Townsend’s team of history-makers. “We came here wanting to start the campaign on a high. As a winger you don’t get a lot of opportunities to score so I needed to take them. England hit back with two for recalled winger Max Malins then edged 13-12 ahead at half-time with a penalty by Owen Farrell.

Warren Gatland's return is spoiled by Ireland as the world's number one side humble Wales in the opening Six Nations match in Cardiff.

Sexton converted and slotted over another penalty. Wales face a trip to Scotland next weekend, with Ireland hosting France in what could prove a pivotal game in the battle for the 2023 Six Nations trophy. Wales continued to attack but could not cross for a second score and Ireland demonstrated their clinical edge with Van der Flier diving over for the final score. Ireland overpowered a woeful Wales side in the first half, with the hosts repeatedly punished for ill-discipline and inaccuracy. Wales improved in the second half and responded with a Liam Williams try. Warren Gatland's return was spoiled by Ireland as the world's number one side humbled Wales in the opening Six Nations match in Cardiff.

Clinical Ireland scored three tries in the opening 20 minutes and cruised to a 34-10 bonus-point victory over Wales to spoil coach Warren Gatland's welcome ...

"We left a couple of scores out there which could have tightened up the game. Lowe intercepted a Dan Biggar pass and sprinted clear to score unopposed as the visitors built a huge 27-3 lead by halftime. The visitors' early dominance was rewarded with two tries inside nine minutes that were almost identical in their execution.

Ireland kicked off their Six Nations title charge with an impressive bonus-point victory over Wales as they ran out 34-10 winners in Cardiff.

[Click here for teams and scorers](https://www.planetrugby.com/europe-six-nations-wales-vs-ireland/2023-02-04/2153882/commentary) Ireland were in cruise control, leading 24-3 with almost an hour of the game remaining, and Wales already appeared in damage-limitation mode. Wales could not deal with Ireland’s impressive ball-carriers, and after sufficient dents had been made in the home defence, Ryan claimed their second try, with Sexton again converting. And Ireland were in no mood to allow Wales a reprieve, dominating every critical area, most notably the battle up-front. [Ireland](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/ireland) though will be thrilled to get their [Six Nations](https://www.planetrugby.com/category/six-nations) campaign off to such a positive start, with France in Dublin their next assignment in Round Two. [Wales](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/wales) they endured a nightmare first half as they went in 27-3 adrift but, to their credit, Warren Gatland’s team did improve after the turnaround.

Ireland started their Six Nations campaign impressively by thrashing Wales 34-10 on Saturday for their first win in Cardiff in the tournament since 2013.

You can watch Wales vs Ireland for free on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK today. Rugby fans can also watch for free in Ireland via Virgin Media One.

[ExpressVPN](https://xvtelink.com/go/bbc-iplayer-vpn?offer=3monthsfree&a_fid=744) (opens in new tab). [Sky Sport Now](https://www.skysportnow.co.nz/) (opens in new tab) streaming-only platform - where a pass costs $19.99 per week or $39.99 per month. [Premier Sports Asia](https://www.premiersportsasia.com) (opens in new tab) is largely focused on rugby, with a subscription giving you access to Heineken Champions Cup, Gallagher Premiership, Super Rugby Pacific and Rugby Championship action. [Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days](https://xvtelink.com/go/bbc-iplayer-vpn?offer=3monthsfree&a_fid=744) (opens in new tab) [FuboTV](https://geni.us/YkQAuWd) (opens in new tab) offers more than 100 additional channels including CNBC as well as Fox, CBS and ESPN. You'll need a Sling Blue/Orange subscription plus the News Extra add-on ($6 a month). You can use it to watch Six Nations 2023 live streams on your mobile, tablet, laptop, TV, games console and more. Cord-cutters can access a free Wales vs Ireland live stream on BBC iPlayer. You won't be able to watch your regular Wales vs Ireland live stream while traveling abroad. Make sure you know how to watch a Wales vs Ireland Kicking off this season's Six Nations tournament today is this intriguing clash at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, with returning Wales coach Warren Gatland aiming to upend the plans of an Ireland side that's being widely tipped for Grand Slam success in 2023. Rugby fans can also watch for free in Ireland via Virgin Media One.

Scotland won one of the best Six Nations matches in recent history to defeat England 29-23 at Twickenham, with Duhan van der Merwe's late score completing a ...

Despite England being under new leadership in the coaches' box and their poor showings in 2022, the hosts are still heavily backed to re-take the Calcutta Cup from Scotland by the bookmakers. Jones starts a move by slicing through the middle, and after finding no luck on the left edge, Russell kicks back to the centre, where Jones is waiting to ground the ball in the in-goal! A draw is almost out of the question for all four to predict, with the shortest odds being Sky Bet's 20/1. The second is right in front of the posts, and Farrell notches his first successful kick of the game to edge the hosts in front, right on half-time! They build on several phases in the Scotland 22 before Ludlam breaks down the right, and he has a simple pass for Malins to score in the corner! The hulking Scotland wing drifts inside to latch onto a flat ball, before powering through the line, beating two tackles, and fending off the full-back to score one of the great Calcutta Cup tries! FT: That's it for our coverage of the first day of the Six Nations, and what a game to open the tournament for the Scots! A messy ruck inside England;'s 22 sees the ball spill out, and White snatches onto it to burst through the line, step Steward, and score against England for the second year running! 80 mins: Ritchie gets over the top of Earl in a ruck to win the penalty, and that will do it for Scotland! The winger can't reel in the ball though, and so play comes back for Russell to successfully kick the three points. Farrell's second penalty brought England's lead to 23-19, and Russell soon responded with three points of his own to create a one-point ball game going into the final 10. Finn Russell's missed conversion let England back into it, and after another try in the corner for Malins and an Owen Farrell penalty, the hosts took a slim 13-12 lead into the half-time break.

Duhan van der Merwe's double saw Scotland make it three Calcutta Cup wins in a row for the first time since 1972 as they beat England 29-23 in the teams' ...

Half-back partner Marcus Smith sent a pinpoint kick to the right corner, and Malins dived on the ball to score. Russell converted again to leave England needing a converted try to win. It was much better second half from us and a brilliant win." Back row Jamie Ritchie captained Scotland as they took aim at their third-straight Calcutta Cup triumph, with Luke Crosbie making only his second start for Gregor Townsend’s team after being named on the other flank. Having made their first entry of the match into England's 22 on the back of a well-worked lineout move from George Turner's long throw, Scotland patiently built until Sione Tuipulotu slotted through a grubber for centre partner Jones to chase down and finish. Joe Marchant made his first start since last July at outside centre, and prop Dan Cole was included on the bench for his first appearance since England’s 2019 World Cup final defeat along with uncapped hooker Jack Walker.

Duhan van der Merwe grabbed two tries, including a breathtaking solo effort, as Scotland spoiled new England coach Steve Borthwick's start.

“There is some stuff we need to get better at," Farrell said. "Fair play to Scotland. England was its own worst enemy as it sought to eke out victory in the second half, with a dropped restart by No. “As a winger you don’t get a lot of opportunities to score so I needed to take them,” he said. * It marked the first time Scotland has secured back-to-back wins at Twickenham in rugby's oldest international fixture that dates to 1871.

Sione Tuipulotu inspired Scotland to memorable Calcutta Cup victory as Ben Curry had a day to forget for England.

5 Grant Gilchrist Messy moment at the lineout and made little impact in the loose before he was replaced. 4 Richie Gray Preferred to his younger brother and shone, particularly in the buildup to winning try. 9 Ben White Opportunistic try, finished with the zip that sums him up. Two fine passes in buildup to winning try. Out of position for Malins’ first try but came up with the winning score. Polished in every facet of the game. Precise kick for Jones’s try and always picked the right pass. In terms of effort, did not deserve to end up on losing side. 6 Lewis Ludlam Hunted Russell early on and passed to Malins for his second try. Borthwick’s kind of player. 5 Ollie Chessum Discipline not perfect but has an incredible engine and can do a bit of everything. 4 Maro Itoje Conceded a needless penalty but a nuisance at lineout – some things never change.

Duhan van der Merwe has scored an early challenger for try of the tournament and also went over for the match-clincher as Scotland beat…

But I think we showed character in the second half. There were a few things we got wrong as a team but we can fix them.” “This is the first game of a new coach and campaign,” England lock Maro Itoje said. “As a winger you don’t get a lot of opportunities to score so I needed to take them,” he said. “We are ultimately disappointed — we just weren’t good enough. When using Facebook to create or log in to an account, you need to grant The Roar permission to see your email address

A pair of outstanding tries by Duhan van der Merwe saw Scotland retain the Calcutta Cup for a third successive year.

Worked hard though and joint-top tackler (14) with Schoeman. [George Horne](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/george-horne/) – 6.5 Another who worked hard, and made metres in close quarters while adding to the defensive effort. Led from the front and won the crucial penalty that sealed victory. Guilty of giving away the penalty that saw England lead at the break, but otherwise a solid showing before departing on 58 minutes. [George Turner](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/george-turner/) – 6.5 Won’t want to see Dan Cole’s first scrum again, and departed shortly after. Another mixed bag from Scotland’s mercurial talisman. Recovered from a ropey start where he was sat down by Steward and put Jones over with a deft grubber. Has been questioned defensively in the past, but kept ex-Quins colleague Marchant well-marked throughout. Had another couple of chances that he couldn’t take, but was defensively sound and can be pleased with his day’s work. The former skipper had been a doubt with a heel injury and wasn’t at his world-class best.

Following a 29-23 victory for Scotland over England in their Six Nations fixture, here's our five takeaways from the game at Twickenham.

Their effort in the back five of the pack was quite remarkable at times in defence, and their set-piece was as solid as Ben Nevis itself. Joe Marchant was selected to do a job for this fixture and, quite frankly, he failed to have the impact required and Borthwick will surely rue releasing Manu Tuilagi back to Sale Sharks in a match where his directness was sorely needed. Indeed, Ludlam was a beacon of excellence in a back-row that came off substantially second best, as he hit 17 carries for 72 metres, a wonderful run and feint to sent Max Malins over and was one of England’s main contributors in their mainly five man pod lineout approach. Conversely, Scotland’s visits to the red zone lasted only one minute and 44 seconds, yet saw them cross four times, a remarkable efficiency rate, but one probably enhanced by the powerful running of Van der Merwe. He put in an astonishing 27 tackles, many at the first phase of the gain line, battering the England carriers into submission as they failed time after time to make metres in contact. With possession stats of 70% v 30% in favour of the hosts, the sheer efficiency of the Scots with ball in hand and in contact was staggering.

Rugby: Scotland defeated England, while Ireland proved too strong for Wales in their starts in the six nations tournament.

Warren Gatland's return as Wales coach has got off to a major false start as his side were trounced 34-10 by Ireland in Cardiff in the Six Nations opener.

But I think we showed character in the second half. "We left a couple of scores out there which could have tightened up the game. Lowe intercepted a Dan Biggar pass and sprinted clear to score unopposed as the visitors built a huge 27-3 lead by halftime.

Crucially, Italy finally snapped a 36-game losing streak that had dragged on since 2015 in their match of the championship last year. That Ange Capuozzo break ...

Coverage starts at 2.15pm for the 3pm kick-off. “We believe that the journey is far from over. Having said that, France are still blessed with a plethora of quality across the park and in all likelihood will have too much for their European rivals. Federico Ruzza packs down alongside the elder Cannone, Niccolò, in the engine room. Danilo Fischetti and Simone Ferrari are the props either side of hooker Giacomo Nicotera. Crucially, Italy finally snapped a 36-game losing streak that had dragged on since 2015 in their match of the championship last year. He is joined by full-back Thomas Ramos and Damian Penaud in the back three. Kieran Crowley said: “We have worked well in these two weeks. Antoine Dupont captains the side from scrum-half and will renew his partnership with Toulouse colleague Romain Ntamack who is outside him at No 10. - France won the Grand Slam in last year’s Guinness Six Nations and have won their opening match of the Championship in each of their last four campaigns as reigning champions; no side has ever completed back-to-back Grand Slams in the Six Nations, with Les Bleus the last team to achieve that feat in the Five Nations (1997 & 1998). Luca Morisi and Juan Ignacio Brex make up the centre partnership. - Italy won their last match of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations (22-21 v Wales)after losing 36 in a row previously, however, they haven’t won at home in the competition since March 2013 (22-15 v Ireland) and have won back-to-back games just twice previously.

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend said Duhan van der Merwe's sensational try was something out of a PlayStation game in their win against England.

“They didn’t get a lot of chances but the chances they got they took ruthlessly. “We saw some growth, particularly in the attacking side of the game. The team looked like they had points in them and try-scoring potential. “I felt a lot of emotion at the final whistle,” said Townsend. The coach had beaten [England](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/england/) in their previous trip to the famous ground two years ago but the game was played behind closed doors. [Townsend](https://www.planetrugby.com/tag/gregor-townsend/) lauded the superstar wing for both his tries in what was a stunning performance.

France begin the defence of their Six Nations title this Sunday when they take on underdogs Italy in their opening match of the 2023 event at the Stadio ...

Rugby fans in the UK can also tune into Sunday's match at the Stadio Olimpico via a livestream, with the game available to watch via ITVX. Their title defence will resume this weekend when they make the trip to Rome to take on underdogs Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. The French stole the show last year, winning all five games to clinch their first Six Nations title in 12 years.

Les Bleus will also be without: Gabin Villiere, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka, Pierre Bourgarit, Maxime Lucu, Arthur Vincent, Killian Geraci and Florian ...

Their fiercest competition comes in the shape of the No 1 ranked side in the world: Ireland. Italy vs France is available to watch in the UK on free-to-air channel ITV1 and coverage begins at 2:15pm. It promises to be a massive year for Les Bleus, who will host the World Cup this year and are one of the favourites both then and now.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was delighted with his players for adapting to a late change in the starting XV in their win over Wales in Cardiff.

“But I thought the second half was a huge improvement. We trust and back the squad to put in a performance and this reiterates that.” “There were definitely some good moments. “It’s all down to next week. It’s not a bad place to be.” Farrell’s side welcomes defending champions France to Dublin next weekend for a tough fixture.

Will last season's grand slam winners France open their campaign with victory in Rome, or could Italy produce a shock? Join Lee Calvert.

Italy come back at them from the lineout and create a little gap for Capuozzo out wide, but the ball is slightly behind him and snaffled by Ramos. Dupont has a dart left off the back of a big French maul in the Italy half. Allan call for the tee and puts his side on the board. Some outstanding attacking patterns and handling from Italy follows a big maul drive, and France are scrambling all over the place in their own half. On another advantage, Italy are attacking on the France 22, and the intricacy of their attacking patterns is outstanding. The work it with several carries from the forward tight around the ruck, before the ball rolls loose and is regathered. Italy manage something resembling a reasonable exit from the kick-off, and France have their first attack of the half from the resulting lineout. Well, yes, in that he blew the whistle to award the penalties that gave Italy either territory or a chance to kick posts. The Azzuri pack catch and drive it and on the second shove they are this close to forcing the ball over the line but Ollivon illegally pulls the maul down. France have some decent possession of the first time in a while and from a maul on the right the fire it left into midfield. Fusco has added a bit more zip with his passing from the breakdown as Italy try to run it from their own half. Les Bleus had a chance to close out the game with a lineout in the Italy half, but the imprecision comes to the fore once more as they can’t claim their own throw.

Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie wants his side's latest win over England to be a launchpad for sustained Six Nations success rather than the highlight of yet ...

We all came together and said, 'look, we've been in this position before and we've not backed it up' and that for us is the most important thing," Ritchie added. "In terms of how we want to play and the fight we showed, it was really encouraging from an England point of view." "I'm proud of how we stayed in the fight and we knew that if we stuck to our plan and we brought energy to how we wanted to play then we would create opportunities," said Ritchie, 26.

Live updates from Sundays Round 1 2023 Six Nations clash between defending Grand Slam champions France and Italy from the Stadio Olimpico in Rome (3pm ...

Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie wants his side's latest win over England to be a launchpad for sustained Six Nations success rather than the highlight of yet ...

We all came together and said, 'look, we've been in this position before and we've not backed it up' and that for us is the most important thing," Ritchie added. "In terms of how we want to play and the fight we showed, it was really encouraging from an England point of view." "I'm proud of how we stayed in the fight and we knew that if we stuck to our plan and we brought energy to how we wanted to play then we would create opportunities," said Ritchie, 26.

ROME (Reuters) – France captain Antoine Dupont is confident Les Bleus will overcome a series of injuries as they start their Six Nations campaign with an ...

“And we’ve seen their (Italy’s) recent achievements: they won in Cardiff (22-21 in the Six Nations last year) and beat Australia (28-27 last November). “The World Cup is in the background and we all have it in the back of our minds,” said Dupont. France are on a 13-match winning streak and have the World Cup in mind, but they are fully focused on the Six Nations and will not take anything for granted against Italy.

France survived a huge scare as they started their Six Nations campaign with a nerve-racking 29-24 away victory over Italy on Saturday.

Italy made it to the board with Allan's first penalty but the Azzurri were on the brink. There are regrets but also a lot of pride," said Italy fullback Capuozzo, who scored his sixth try in eight international appearances. With an extra man on the field and a one-point deficit, the hosts were fired up and they took the lead just before Ollivon returned to the field with Allan’s fourth penalty.

The defending champions were 24-22 down going into the last 15 minutes in Rome on Sunday before replacement flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert scored the decisive try.

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Following a 29-24 victory for France over Italy in their Six Nations fixture, here's our five takeaways from the game at the Stadio Olimpico.

The absence of a big runner in midfield was palpable on Sunday and France don’t have the gainline power they had a year or so ago. This was so near yet so far, a game they’ll look on with more frustration than pride – exactly the right approach because this class of 2023 is a far better side than to dine out on moral victories or close defeats. Little guys learn how to avoid the big bullies – his standing up of the world class number eight Alldritt on the left wing and outstanding finish to score in 31st minute saw all of his rugby talent in one move. [France](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/france) had to rely upon bench impact and a moment of great finishing from Matthieu Jalibert to get them home. However, based upon their spirit and skill for this showing, Italy will travel to Twickenham for next Sunday’s match with their best chance of a win against England, hoping to finally record that elusive first [Italy](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/italy)‘s fortune is denuding a brilliant effort of running rugby from the Azzurri.

France player ratings: It would have been near unthinkable for France to have lost their Guinness Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome...

[Sekou Macalou](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/sekou-macalou/) threw himself about and brought some much-needed energy to an emotionally flat French side. He isn’t the first and he won’t be the last. [Gregory Alldritt](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/gregory-alldritt/) – 6 His yellow card that conceded a penalty try in the 51st minute triggered France’s considerable wobble. Back in blue after missing the Autumn Nations Series with injury and was on light piano shifting duties today. The man mountain was sporting a slimmer physique and looked all the fitter for it. Was asked by referee Matthew Carley if we wanted to be marched by back after moaning following a penalty in the 29th minute. A constant menace who seemed to cause panic in the Italian ranks every time he was on the ball. [Yoram Moefana](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/yoram-moefana/) – 6 Hard to oversell just how much value he brings to the French midfield. The Bordeaux-bound Penaud got on the end of a few decent attacking shapes but was kept relatively quiet in the first half. Looked flighty late on, not a characteristic any side wants in a fullback.

The defending champions were 24-22 down going into the last 15 minutes in Rome on Sunday before replacement flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert scored the decisive try.

There are regrets but also a lot of pride," said Italy fullback Capuozzo, who scored his sixth try in eight international appearances. With an extra man on the field and a one-point deficit, the hosts were fired up and they took the lead just before Ollivon returned to the field with Allan's fourth penalty. Italy made it to the board with Allan's first penalty but the Azzurri were on the brink.

The visitors dashed into a lead early on and looked to be heading into the interval 13 points ahead, but Ange Capuozzo scored another fantastic try to cut ...

But there's a lot of positives to take from this. We had our chances. Mattheiu Jalibert scored a late try to earn defending champions France win over Italy in the Six Nations