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By Ben Dirs
1418: Italy may never have have beaten Ireland in the Six Nations, but they did beat them three times between 1995 and 1997. But the omens are not good: before beating Samoa in their last game, they’d lost their previous 10. Ireland, meanwhile, have won nine of their last 10 games, and drew the other one.From Cookie on 606:"England for the title. All laugh if you want, but we shall see."1410: Italy have won just once on the road in 10 years, against Scotland at Murrayfield in 2007. But Ireland haven’t always found it easy against the tournament late-comers - they only won 16-11 in Dublin in 2008. Eight players born outside Italy in their starting XV - two in Australia, two in New Zealand, two in South Africa and two in Argentina. One of them, fly-half Craig Gower, has a past that might be called colourful. Actually, that’s something of an understatement, he makes Alex Higgins look monochrome by comparison, although I don’t think he’s ever threatened to have Dennis Taylor shot.“Riki Flutey tackles like a 16st man, but with Toby Flood in at inside centre, Jamie Roberts will be rubbing his hands together thinking 'I’ve got something to run at now…” Jerry Guscott on BBC One****1357: Ireland may be holders, but they’re not the favourites. You can get France at 6-4 with most bookies, while Ireland are 9-4. Of course, France have three home matches, they had a great win over New Zealand last summer and their club sides are looking hot in the Heineken Cup. Ireland, too, have three home matches, but they have to visit Twickenham and Paris.From Teddingtontaff on 606:"The teams look very evenly matched. Wales to win if the backline are on fire, else England to romp home with their forward strength."1349: Jonathan Davies reckons the loss of front-rowers Gethin Jenkins and Matthew Rees is “massive” for Wales, but I can’t help feeling there’s a bit of a mis-match in midfield since Flutey’s injury - Flood and Tait against Hook and Roberts Hmmm… Back in Dublin, there is a debut for Leinster flanker Kevin McLaughlin, in for the injured Stephen Ferris, while Ronan O’Gara needs just one point for 500 points in the Championship. By the way, get those texts in and have a chat on 606. You might enjoy it.1344: Today is the centenary of England’s first match at Twickenham, and, coincidentally, that was against Wales. But it’s to Dublin first, and last season’s Grand Slam winners Ireland against the Italians. This is Italy’s 11th season in the tournament, and their record against Ireland reads: played 10, lost 10. Anyone reckon they’re going to break their duck today No Didn’t think so… 1340: Hello everyone. The Six Nations is back, and my guess is it’s going to be splendid. Two games on the opening day: champions Ireland v Italy at 1430 GMT followed by England v Wales at 1700 GMT. I’m up for it - are you up for itThis article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.