Garbisi gets the match underway for Italy, taken by France who clear long to touch

Anthems concluded and kickoff is just moments away

Late change for Italy as Rimpelli starts in place of Traore in the front row.

Youngest starting fly halves in the Six Nations (2000 - 2021):

1. Mathieu Jalibert (19, 2018)

2. Romain Ntamack (19, 2019)

3. Danny Cipriani (20, 2008)

4. Owen Farrell (20, 2012)

5. PAOLO GARBISI (20, 2020)

The sides are out on the field, a moments silence for rugby against racism, anthems to follow

The Six Nations gets underway with Italy hosting France in the opening round. Italy went winless in last years Six Nations Championship to finish bottom of the table without a single log point, while France won four of their five matches but were pipped to the title by England on points difference. When these sides met in last seasons championship, France ran out 35-22 winners. I'm Craig and will be taking you through the action with live updates and running commentary.

Head to head


Played: 44* – France leads 41-3

Points for: France 1,341 / Italy 508 (avg. score: France 30-11 Italy)


Highest score: Italy 40 (40-32 on 22 March, 1997) / France 60 (60-13 on 26 March, 1967)


Biggest winning margin: Italy 8 (40-32 on 22 March, 1997) / France 47 (60-13 on 26 March, 1967)


* Only capped matches for both teams

First met: 22 April, 1935 – France 44-6 Italy – Rome (non-cap match for France)

Last met: 28 November, 2020 – France 36-5 Italy – Stade de France