2000 GMT: France v Wales
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606: DEBATE
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By Mark Orlovac
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"The nine o'clock kick-off is a complete nightmare, with all that time to kill before the game."
Wales skipper Ryan Jones
"Hoping for a great game but that Wales win without making it too uncomfortable for me to watch."
strcprstskrzkrk on 606
"Shane Williams is the key for Wales to unlock this big French backline."
Former England back Austin Healey on BBC Two
"I was a proven leader on the field, but to be honest his selection policy is controversial. I did not know he was such a gambler. This competition is all about winning, tonight is a huge game for him."
Former France hooker Rafael Ibanez on BBC Two
1933: Here's a few more stats for you - to impress your mates like. The sides have met 85 times with Wales leading the series 43-39. There have been three draws. France's record win was a 51-0 success at Wembley in 1998, while Wales boast a best of 47-5 (Paris, 1909). Wales have won on three of their previous five visits to Stade de France, winning in 1999, 2001 and 2005.
"This will be the test to show whether Wales have really made any progress or whether it's more hype-filled blip. Wales by five."
Andi in Bedford via text on 81111
1925: And to Wales. They are two-fifths of the way to collecting their second straight Grand Slam after collecting wins in Scotland and at home to England. I would argue that Wales learnt more from the hard-fought victory over the English than the cruise they enjoyed in Edinburgh. Dancing winger Shane Williams returns while Gavin Henson is back on the bench after his little 'night out'.
1919: BREAKING NEWS. Our brave Welsh cyclists (as well as our own marathon man Tom Fordyce) have reached the Stade de France after treking all the way from Cardiff. Top, top effort. I think you just might deserve a beer now.
"Come on Wales! Chance to make Friday history and set up a very interesting end to the Six Nations (my wife's Irish)!"
Anon via text on 81111
1918: So to the game. In the blue corner we have France. Brilliant: yes. Mercurial: obviously. Unpredictable: you betcha. Led by Marc Lievremont, (a coach who makes Claudio Ranieri look like the standard bearer for selection stability) Les Bleus have lost to Ireland and defeated Scotland so far this year (and as a Scot I'm still bitter about that try). They have a centre playing at fly-half (a selection policy now commonly known as a 'Bergamasco'), no recognised goal kicker as well as their ninth half-back pairing in 13 Tests. No wonder they are regarded as underdogs.
1914: I've been looking forward to this tasty-looking encounter all week and I made a bold prediction when I walked into the office this afternoon. "This could be the game of the tournament," I announced confidently. With my history of predictions, that obviously means we're in line for a 9-6 kick-fest. Sorry about that.
"I just hope England supporters don't complain about the ref when Wales win."
jem707 on 606
1910: Great chat from the Stade de France. Apparently during rehearsals for the national anthems (the two best anthems in the Six Nations in my humble opinion) Welsh singer Bryn Terfel had a quiet word with the band as they were going too slow. I blame the drummer.
1906: There is plenty to chat about tonight, and I want to hear all about it. Your predictions (for tonight and the weekend), stories and bets are all welcome. I also want to know where you'll be to watch the game and what you think about the Friday night kick-off. Especially if you are one of the brave souls in the French capital who are now faced with a late metro run back into Paris. Let me know your thoughts by using 606 or by texting 81111, with the word RUGBYU preceding your prose. Go on, you know you want to.
1903: Hello you and welcome to a little bit of history - the first Four/Five/Six Nations match to be held on a Friday. Ever. And it's a pleasure to be bringing it to you. Here's a quick stat to get you going: Four/Five/Six Nations matches have taken place on every other day of the week except a Friday. Until now that is.
1900: What? Six Nations, on a Friday night? You are joking? Nah, it will never happen...
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