Moments of brilliance by a backline shorn of its best player have spared Scotland from a second straight humbling by Italy in Six Nations rugby.

Nathan: For many years Scotland have struggled to compete with the big teams in the front five. While we have a decent group starting, we lack depth at hooker, tight-head and second row. Could be a long Six Nations!

Wales have won five of their last 12 visits to Paris, more than any other team in the Six Nations. The last time France and Wales met in the opening round was 2019. Wales won 24-19 and went on to complete the Grand Slam. Since that match France have won 21 of 23 Test matches at the Stade de France.

French captain Antoine Dupont marked his return to Six Nations action after a year's hiatus, a successful gamble on winning Olympic sevens gold in Paris, in impressive style creating three tries in 22 minutes.